What is a sebaceous cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a benign lump made up of an outer capsule filled with soft, pale or cloudy yellow material. It usually appears on areas of skin that sweat heavily and produce a lot of oil and sebum, such as the face, shoulders, back and chest. The lump is usually painless and not malignant, but it grows gradually, becomes uncomfortable, and may turn red and painful if it becomes inflamed.
How to recognise a sebaceous cyst
- The condition looks much like an ordinary pimple, so many people mistake it for acne or a boil and cut or squeeze it themselves to remove the contents — but it keeps coming back.
- A sebaceous cyst usually sits raised on the skin, feels soft to the touch, is painless and can be moved; what comes out is a white, curd-like material.
- A sebaceous cyst does not cause much discomfort, but if left for a long time and it becomes infected, it can turn necrotic and form painful ulcers.
- The lump usually appears where the skin sweats heavily and produces a lot of oil and sebum, such as the face, shoulders, back, buttocks and underarms.
- The lump is usually painless and not malignant, but it grows gradually, becomes uncomfortable and turns painful if inflamed.
What causes a sebaceous cyst
A sebaceous cyst is essentially caused by sebum in the pore being unable to escape and gradually building up. There is no truly reliable way to prevent one from forming.
To limit them, keep the skin clean, dry and airy. If your skin is oily, wash it and bathe daily so the pores stay clear and sebum can drain away; use soaps or shower gels that leave the skin dry and airy.
At what age do sebaceous cysts occur?
Sebaceous cysts can occur at any age. Almost anyone may develop one or more on the body; the rate is higher during puberty, in patients with a history of acne, and in those who have had skin trauma.
The lump is usually round and moves easily under the finger; the skin over it is normal in colour, though sometimes darker. It may become infected spontaneously or after it ruptures.
Why sebaceous cysts matter
- Sebaceous cysts mostly cause no pain or discomfort while they are small, but over time the lump grows larger, the tissue inside becomes necrotic, and ulceration and suppuration follow. At that stage treatment is difficult and costly.
- When a cyst becomes superinfected and necrotic, it causes painful swelling for the patient.
- In many cases a cyst on the face, chin or behind the ear is disfiguring.
A sebaceous cyst is not a worrying condition if it is detected and treated in time. In many cases, however, it is disfiguring and even painful and uncomfortable when it becomes red and inflamed. For that reason, when you notice signs of the condition you should visit a reputable medical facility for an accurate diagnosis, so that specialists can advise you on the best treatment.
Source: ancan