A cyst’s appearance might be alarming and distressing. Fortunately, many cysts are frequent, harmless, and easily treatable. Buckeye Dermatology can assist with prevention and treatment options for cysts that reoccur or require removal.
What exactly is a cyst?
A cyst is a closed sac filled with fluids and/or soft or hard substances under the skin. Cysts can develop in any region of the body, including the face. Cysts are classified according to their location and composition of the membrane lining.
There are three common cysts: epidermal (sebaceous), trichilemmal (pilar), and milium. Some cysts are less common.
Epidermal cyst – a freely moving lump surrounded by essentially normal skin. It is one of the most often seen benign skin tumors.
The cyst wall is composed entirely of the most superficial part of the skin. The most often affected areas are the face, ears, neck, back, and scalp. A central pore is seen. White cheese-like material is contained within the cyst. This substance is keratin that has been degraded, a significant component of skin.
Epidermal cysts can form when the hair follicle becomes blocked, as is the case with severe acne or as a result of a penetrating lesion.
Trichilemmal cysts – resemble epidermal cysts. However, they typically occur on the scalp and are numerous. Because the wall is thicker, it is more readily removed in one piece. This is in contrast to the epidermal cyst, which frequently ruptures into fragments upon excision. If any fragment of the cyst is left behind, the cyst may likely return. If a trichilemmal or epidermal cyst becomes troublesome, it can be removed.
Milia cyst – most frequently found on the face, particularly around the eyes. They are tiny, hard lesions that are white in color. They often form without an apparent cause. However, a variety of illnesses and dermatological therapies can contribute to their development.
Milia cysts are quite prevalent on the faces of newborns and babies. Adult patients may want treatment for milia for aesthetic reasons. In babies, the lesions are not treated because they heal on their own within a few weeks to months.
While they are frequently slow-growing, painless, and moveable lumps beneath the skin, they can become inflamed and painful on occasion.
Cyst Treatment
If cyst removal is essential or desirable, it can be achieved by directly injecting a steroid medication into the cyst, draining it, or surgically eliminating it. If the cyst is painful, bloated, or developing, a steroid injection will help decrease any swelling.
Drainage is a procedure in which your dermatologist slices the cyst and forces the fluid out. Cysts may, however, recur following this treatment. Minor surgery can help avoid the recurrence of the cyst. During surgery, your dermatologist will remove the discharge and sac that comprise the cyst’s walls.
If necessary, laser removal is also a possibility. The laser is utilized to create a tiny hole for cyst excision. Around one month later, the cyst wall is eliminated through a minor excision. This technique thoroughly removes the cyst, leaving just a tiny scar.
It is critical to have a cyst examined by a dermatologist to verify it is benign. Contact Buckeye Dermatology for a complete examination of your cyst.
