Strange lumps and bumps beneath skin develop for a variety of reasons. Cysts are one of the most common types of skin lumps. According to Dr. Gregory Walker of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Waco, Texas, “Cysts are common, treatable skin growths. While they rarely cause pain, they can be uncomfortable or cosmetically concerning. There are simple ways to treat cysts and restore your skin’s health and appearance with relatively little impact on your life.” In this blog, Dr. Walker breaks down just what cysts are, the different types, and dermatologic treatment options.
What Is a Cyst?
Cysts are skin lesions that develop when a pocket of tissue within the skin, called a sac, fills with fluid, oil, keratin, or other skin cells. A cyst may develop on any part of the body, and people of all ages can develop cysts. When they first form, cysts are usually small, and they may resemble a pimple. Most people don’t notice cysts until they grow larger. Cysts are typically benign (noncancerous) growths. In some cases, treatment for cysts may not even be recommended as they don’t always cause adverse effects. Treatment is recommended for cysts that become painful, infected, catch on items, or cause discomfort.
Types of Cysts
According to Dr. Walker, “Most people think that all cysts are the same, but there are many types of cysts that have unique symptoms and underlying causes. Before recommending treatment for a cyst, your dermatologist will gather information to ensure they know exactly what type of cyst they’re dealing with to provide the best possible care recommendations.” Some of the most common types of cysts include:
- Baker’s cysts – these cysts form due to injuries, surgeries, or arthritis. They develop around the knee. Baker’s cysts can impede knee movement without proper treatment. Treatment of cysts around joints often requires an orthopedic specialist.
- Breast cysts – this type of cyst can develop due to blocked or damaged milk ducts. This causes fluid buildup. This type of cyst should be managed by a women’s health specialist or your primary care provider.
- Chalazia – blocked oil glands near the eyes cause small cysts on the eyelids. Most are painless, but chalazia can cause discomfort and swelling as well as impeding vision. Treatment includes warm compresses or a special eyelid cleanser. Referral to an eye specialist is sometimes required.
- Cystic acne – severe acne may result in deeper cystic pimples. Cystic acne can be painful and lead to scarring. While it’s relatively common in teens and young adults, it usually improves with age. Severe cystic acne often requires more involved treatment to avoid long-term scarring. A dermatologist can discuss treatment options depending on the severity of the acne.
- Epidermoid cysts – this form of cysts develops inside the hair follicle. Epidermoid cysts occur because the outer layers of skin grow into the hair follicle instead of being naturally shed over time. These often drain and have a foul odor. They can be removed with a simple procedure where the entire sac is removed from the skin.
- Ganglion cysts – this form of cyst occurs in the joints. They are typically painless, but if ganglion cysts grow too large, they may be uncomfortable or negatively impact movement.
- Mucous cysts – these cysts form around the mouth when salivary glands are damaged. This is common after biting the cheek, receiving a sports related injury, or getting a lip piercing. Poor oral hygiene may also cause mucous cysts to form.
- Pilar cysts – like epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts develop within hair follicles, but this type is more common on the scalp. They develop when excess keratin, the substance that forms hair and nails, clogs the follicle. These can be removed with a simple procedure where the entire cyst if removed.
- Pilonidal cysts – this type of cyst is more common in men, and it’s often caused by ingrown hairs. Pilonidal cysts usually form in the cleft of the buttocks. Due to their placement, pilonidal cysts are very prone to infection and almost always require medical intervention.
- Sebaceous cysts – the body’s natural moisturizing oil is called sebum. This oil is produced by the sebaceous glands. When sebaceous glands are blocked, a sebaceous cyst may form.
Will a Cyst Go Away on Its Own?
When it comes to waiting for your cyst to clear on its own, Dr. Walker says, “Most cysts will not go away on their own. However, there are some types of cysts that won’t grow excessively large, cause discomfort, or otherwise create issues. These don’t necessarily need to be removed. Other types of cysts will shrink, but they’re never entirely gone until the internal sac is removed.”
Home Remedies for Cysts
Dr. Walker says, “While the Internet may offer many ideas for treating cysts, most of these solutions are minimally effective at best. If a cyst requires treatment, reach out to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. In the meantime, you can manage symptoms of cysts using the simple at-home care instructions described below.”
- Cleansing – keeping the skin around a cyst clean reduces the risk for infection. Use a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly with water several times a day.
- Compresses – warm compresses increase circulation, which is proven beneficial for healing. They can also bring the cyst to a head, allowing infected cysts to drain. Cold compresses work best to alleviate discomfort when cysts are inflamed or causing pain.
- Bandaging – if a cyst is draining, cover it with a clean bandage and replace the bandage regularly as it drains.
Signs That a Cyst Needs Medical Attention
Without treatment from a dermatologist, cysts may become infected and rupture. If a cyst ruptures, the residue inside the cyst sac spreads under the skin. This can cause significant discomfort as these materials are processed out of your body. Even worse, this ruptured cyst sac can close and refill, causing a cycle of rupturing and reforming. Additionally, new cysts can develop from the materials that drain from ruptured cysts. Ruptured cysts can cause scar tissue that makes it more difficult to remove the cyst sac and end this cycle. If you don’t want to have a cyst removed right away, there’s no way to know for sure when a cyst will burst. However, if you notice the cyst becomes red, inflamed, painful, hot to the touch, or shows other signs of infection, visit a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Medical Treatments for Cysts
Medical treatments for cysts are designed to either address symptoms or completely remove the cyst sac and prevent the cyst from reforming later. Some of the most often recommended solutions include:
- Surgical removal – during surgical removal, the area is numbed. Then, a scalpel is used to make an incision. If possible, the entire cyst sac is removed. To minimize scarring for very large cysts, the dermatologist may drain the sac first.
- Injected cortisone – these treatments are sometimes recommended for cystic acne. Cortisone injections alleviate swelling and discomfort and shrink cysts.
- Antibiotics – for infected cysts, oral and/or topical antibiotics may be used to treat the infection and prevent spreading. After the infection subsides, other treatment options may be explored.
Preventing Cysts
In most cases, cysts are not preventable. However, taking steps to maintain a consistent skincare routine and manage acne and other underlying causes of cysts can significantly reduce risk of developing a cyst. Dr. Walker recommends, “Working with a dermatologist to develop an effective skincare routine that is designed for your skin type can significantly reduce risk for developing cysts. You can’t necessarily prevent cysts from forming, but managing your overall skin health will make treating cysts easier.”
Let a Dermatologist Help with Care for Cysts, Lumps & Bumps
When it comes to dermatologic treatment for cysts, Dr. Walker says, “Don’t put off treatment for cysts. While the unknown can cause stress, there are many options for cyst removal that are minimally invasive. Your dermatologist will ensure you find the right solution to meet your needs.”
Schedule a Dermatologic Consultation
When you’re ready to get started treating cysts, don’t hesitate to reach out to the trusted dermatologists and team at U.S. Dermatology Partners. Our skilled dermatologists will help you identify the type of cyst you’re dealing with and partner with you to create a treatment plan. Take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request form to get in touch with one of our local dermatology teams.
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