Sebaceous Cyst, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with a cheese-like or oily material. The vast majority of sebaceous cysts are of no great consequence but some in certain places are a cause for concern: Sebaceous cysts are intra-dermal or subcutaneous tumors. Sebaceous cysts may occur anywhere on the body but occur most often on the face, scalp, neck, back and scrotum. Pilar cysts are clinically indistinguishable from sebaceous cysts. They contain keratinous material, are usually multiple and there is often an autosomal dominant inheritance. Simple sebaceous cysts can run in families. They are said to be twice as common in men as in women and most frequent in those aged in their 20s and 30s. Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles where the gland opening is blocked. Skin trauma can also cause a cyst to form. The main symptom is usually a small, non-painful lump beneath the skin. The lump is usually found on the face, neck and trunk. It usually grows slowly and is not painful. If the lump becomes infected or inflamed, other symptoms may include: a. Skin redness b. Tender or sore skin c. Warm skin in the affected area d. Grayish-white, cheesy, foul-smelling material that drains from the cyst The sites most commonly affected are, in descending order of frequency, the face, the trunk, the neck, the extremities and the scalp. Cysts of the genitals are less common and may appear as a mass in the vulva, the clitoris, the penis, the scrotum or the perineum. In most cases, the doctor can make a diagnosis by examining the skin. Sometimes a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions. Sebaceous cysts are not dangerous and can usually be ignored. Placing a warm moist cloth (compress) over the area may help the cyst drain and heal. If you have a…