What are cysts?
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They can form anywhere on or in your body, including under your skin.
Fortunately, most skin cysts are painless and harmless. Cysts differ in size and tend to grow slowly. They can be yellow or white and ooze pus when squeezed.
What kinds of cysts are there?
There are many types of cysts that affect the skin. Common cysts the Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates team treats include:
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts are common skin cysts that develop beneath the skin. You can have an epidermoid cyst on any part of your body, but they most often appear on the face, neck, and trunk.
Pilar cysts
Pilar cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around a hair follicle. These cysts typically develop on the scalp.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are cysts that originate from your sebaceous glands, your skin’s oil-producing glands. These cysts develop when skin cells clog the gland, trapping the oil.
Though cysts are harmless, you should never ignore any new skin lump or bump. The Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates experts can evaluate your skin, diagnose your condition, and provide the best treatment.
What can I expect during an evaluation for cysts?
You can expect a patient-focused exam during a cyst evaluation at Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates. The board-certified dermatologists first listen intently to your skin concerns and review your medical history. They then evaluate your lump, bump, or cyst.
Though they can diagnose your cyst after a visual inspection, your dermatologist might order a pathology test of the skin tissue or the cyst’s contents to confirm a diagnosis and test for infection.
How are cysts treated?
Your Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates dermatologist spends time talking to you about your cyst. You’re informed about available treatments so that you can make an informed decision about how best to proceed.
For small cysts, you might not require any treatment at all. However, if your cyst is large or visible, your dermatologist can do a surgical excision to remove the cyst. However, cysts can return.
If you have an infection, the team prescribes antibiotics and injects cortisone to reduce inflammation and pain.
Cysts are harmless but can affect the look of your skin. For comprehensive care for your cysts, call Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates today or request an appointment online.
