Loading icon
Health Information Center

Epidermal Cyst

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Epidermal Cyst

(Epidermoid Cyst; Epidermal Inclusion Cyst; Epithelial Cyst; Keratin Cyst)

Definition

An epidermal cyst is a lump under the skin. It has soft, yellow matter inside. They often happen on the face, neck, chest, upper back, genitals, or behind the ears.

Causes

It may be caused by:

  • Blockage of a hair follicle by skin cells—due to a skin injury
  • Damage to a hair follicle due to acne
Normal Skin Anatomy.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

si1844_96472_1http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=74387438si1844.jpgsi1844.jpgNULLjpgsi1844.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si1844.jpgNULL80NULL2008-12-04260400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Acne and skin injuries raise the risk of this type of cyst.

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • A small, dome-shaped lump beneath the skin
  • Foul-smelling, cheese-like material that may drain from the cyst
  • Redness or pain on or around the cyst

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. Some people are sent to a skin doctor.

Treatment

The cyst may go away on its own. It may need to be treated when it causes problems. This can be done with:

  • Surgery to remove the entire cyst
  • Incision and drainage—to remove the cyst contents, though it may return in time

Antibiotics may be given to treat infection.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent an epidermal cyst.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Common benign skin lesions. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/common-benign-skin-lesions. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts. DermNet NZ website. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cutaneous-cysts-and-pseudocysts. Accessed May 25, 2022.
  • Moreno-Ramírez D, Ruiz-Villaverde R, et al. A. process of care for patients with benign cysts and tumors: Consensus document of the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016 ;107(5):391-399.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.