sebaceous cysts

If you notice bumps on the skin, you may wonder what they are, could they be from? Sebaceous cysts? There are hundreds of cysts that can develop on the skin, and it is more common for someone to deal with an epidermoid cyst or cyst that develops in a hair follicle rather than a true sebaceous cyst; However, if you are dealing with a new lump or bump on the skin, you may want to turn to a dermatologist at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Laser and Aesthetics in Hurghada to see if it could be a sebaceous cyst.

What are sebaceous cysts?

Your body is covered with sebaceous glands that secrete an oil known as sebum that coats your hair and skin. If the gland duct is damaged or blocked, a sebaceous cyst can form (often as a result of trauma).

Fat cysts are often painless, noncancerous fluid-filled bumps that often appear on the neck, face or back. It is not dangerous and usually slow growing; However, it is possible for it to grow large enough or develop in an uncomfortable area of the body, especially if it is not monitored by a dermatologist at Nudra Skin, Laser and Aesthetic Center in Hurghada.

Causes of the appearance of sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts consist of a sebaceous gland, which produces the sebum that coats your hair and skin. They can arise if the gland or its ducts (the passageway through which oil can escape) become damaged or blocked, usually due to an injury to the area.

The injury may be a scratch, cut, or skin condition such as acne. Fat cysts grow slowly, so the trauma may have occurred weeks or months before you noticed the cyst.

Other causes of a sebaceous cyst may include:

• distorted channels.
• Cell damage during surgery.
• Genetic conditions, such as Gardner's syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome.

Symptoms of sebaceous cysts

Symptoms and signs of a sebaceous cyst include:

• A small, spherical subcutaneous bump that appears on the face, neck, or trunk.
• A few blackheads block the central opening of the cyst.
• A thick, yellow substance that drains from the cyst occasionally.
• If the area is inflamed or infected, it will have redness, swelling, and pain.

When should you see a doctor?

Most sebaceous cysts are harmless and do not require treatment. If you have one or more of the following, see your doctor right away:

• spread quickly.
• The cysts rupture or become inflamed or irritated.
• Occurring in a constantly inflamed area.
• Discomfort with them for aesthetic reasons.
• Being unusually present, for example on a finger or toe.

Factors at risk

Sebaceous cysts can affect almost anyone, but the following conditions make you more at risk:

• after puberty.
• Infection with some uncommon genetic abnormalities.
• Injury to the skin.

Complications of sebaceous cyst

Sebaceous cysts may cause the following complications:

• Inflammation. Even if a cyst isn't infected, it can become swollen, and an irritated cyst can be difficult to get rid of. So your doctor will likely wait until the inflammation has subsided before removing it.
• Rupture. A ruptured cyst can cause a boil-like infection, which needs to be treated right away.
• Infection. Cysts can become contagious and painful if not treated (abscess).
• Skin cancer, a type of cancer that affects the skin, and sebaceous cysts can cause skin cancer in rare cases.

How are sebaceous cysts diagnosed?

Sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermoid cysts. Although the appearance of a sebaceous cyst may be slightly yellowish, the diagnosis is officially confirmed after a pathologist examines the cyst after it has been removed. In some cases, the doctor will do a biopsy to rule out any other skin growths.

If your doctor suspects that your sebaceous cyst is abnormal and possibly cancerous, he or she may order the following tests:

• Ultrasound to determine the contents of the cyst.
• Biopsy: This is where a small amount of cyst tissue is removed and checked for signs of cancer.
• Computerized tomography scan: This scan is done if your doctor thinks you may need surgery to remove the sebaceous cyst.

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Methods for treating sebaceous cysts

If the cyst doesn't bother you or cause you any cosmetic problems, you can usually leave it alone, but if you decide to seek treatment, discuss the following options with your doctor:

• Injection. This procedure involves injecting medication into the cyst to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Incision and drainageThe doctor makes small cuts in the cyst and gently compresses the contents in this way. Although this is a quick and simple approach, cysts often return after treatment.
• Performing minor surgery, your doctor may be able to remove the cyst completely, and it is likely that you will need to return to a freshness center for dermatology, laser and plastic surgery in Hurghada to have the stitches removed. Cysts are usually prevented from returning with a little surgery, which is safe and successful, and your doctor may delay.

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Lifestyle and home remedies

You can't prevent oily skin cysts, but you can help prevent scarring and infection by:

• Avoid squeezing the cyst yourself.
• place a warm, damp cloth over the area; To help the cyst drain and heal.

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Do not hesitate to contact the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic in Hurghada about anything wrong with your skin, even if you are worried for cosmetic reasons, it does not mean that you should not take care of it, and be careful, the lumps on your skin may be Sebaceous cysts benign, harmless, or something dangerous, so you can count on us; To get a clear diagnosis and the right treatment options.