Definition:
Sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts are small painless bumps that slowy grow beneath the skin on the face, neck, trunk, and sometimes in the genital area.
Diagnosis:
The dotor determines the cysts through their appearance and may refer the patient to a dermatologist for treatment.
Treatment:
If theu do not cause cosmetic or functional problems, the cysts are usually left alone. However, if they are raptured, inflamed, or infected, patients may undergo corticosteroid injections, incision and drainage, total excision, minimal excision, or lasers.
Symptoms and Signs:
The cysts are usually white or yellow. Some cysts have central openings that may produce a thick, and cheesy material. Rarely do epidermoid cysts become infected. But when they do, certain symptoms may occur such a thick, yellow material drains from the cyst and may have a foul odor; and a redness, swelling, and tenderness around the cyst.
Causes:
The abnormal proliferation of cells may be caused by a variety of factors such as hair follicle damage, a ruptured sebaceous gland, developmental defect, and heredity.
