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Epidermal Cyst(Epidermoid Cyst; Epidermal Inclusion Cyst; Epithelial Cyst; Keratin Cyst)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionAn 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. CausesIt may be caused by:
Risk FactorsAcne and skin injuries raise the risk of this type of cyst. SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. You may be sent to a doctor who treats skin problems. TreatmentThe cyst may go away on its own. It may need to be treated when it causes problems. This can be done with:
Antibiotics may be given to treat infection. PreventionThere is no way to prevent an epidermal cyst. RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org Family Doctor–American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association http://www.dermatology.ca Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:
Common benign skin lesions. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/common-benign-skin-lesions. Updated February 5, 2018. Accessed November 25, 2019.
Cysts. DermNet NZ website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated February 2016. Accessed November 25, 2019. 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 Jun;107(5):391-399. Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 7/28/2020 | |