Epidermal cyst

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Epidermal cyst

An epidermal cyst, or sebaceous cyst, is a sac beneath the outer layer of the skin that is filled with a cheeselike, greasy material (sebum). These cysts most often appear on the scalp, ears, face, back, or scrotum and are caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair follicle.

Signs and symptoms include a bump or lump under the skin that is:

Firm and easily moveable.
Yellow, white, or flesh-colored. It can turn bright red if injured, inflamed, or infected.
Painless (but can be painful if injured or infected).
Between to in diameter, although hormone stimulation or injury may cause a cyst to become larger.

Medical treatment is usually not needed if the cyst does not cause symptoms. A cyst can be removed if its appearance causes embarrassment or if it becomes injured or infected. If the cyst is infected, antibiotics may be used.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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