When you notice a bump on your skin, it’s natural to assume it’s a pimple or acne. But if you can’t squeeze it, hands off! It’s time to book an appointment with your dermatologist. That pesky bump might not be acne at all.
Meet the epidermoid cyst, a benign skin tumor that more than meets the eye. These growths form when hair follicles become blocked, causing skin cells to burrow into the deeper layers and create a tiny tumor sac.
Usually, these cysts are ranging from 1 to 5 cm. But in some cases, they can supersize to over 10 cm! At first, you might just feel a firm, painless lump. But if bacteria crash the party, get ready for redness and discomfort.
It is easy to confuse epidermal cysts with lipomas, which are formed by the agglomeration of fatty tissue, but epidermal cysts are firmer. In addition to the face, they can also appear on the ears, chest, back, sides, and groin, among other body areas.
Are you tempted to pop it yourself? Resist the urge! Unlike pimples, these cysts aren’t designed for a satisfying squeeze. The hole connecting the cyst to the outside of the skin is small, so the contents do not come out.
Inside, it’s packed with stubborn keratin that won’t budge. Trying to force it out can cause internal damage and a longer recovery. Even surgery might not wholly evict it if it gets cozy with the surrounding tissue. Plus, there’s always the risk of infection.
Sometimes, the best action is no action at all. If it’s not causing trouble, leave it be. These party crashers often show themselves out, shrinking or calming down on their own.
If it’s bugging you, antibiotics might help shrink it down. However, if the inflammation continues to worsen despite drug treatment, you may need an incision surgery under local anesthesia.
If you have surgery, you must be careful not to let water enter the incision area. If you must wash it, pat dry immediately after. It is better not to put on a waterproof bandage as it can increase the risk of bacterial infection. Most wounds heal up nicely in 1-2 weeks.
These cysts can be repeat offenders, especially when you’re run down or stressed out. So, keep that immune system in fighting shape!
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