Epidermoid Cyst Sebaceous Cysts

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Sebaceous cysts are sacs just beneath the skin that are filled with an oily,white, semisolid material called sebum. If the sebum becomes infected, the cystwill be red and painful. Sebaceous cysts are commonly seen on the scalp, labia,scrotum, chest, and back, but can be found anywhere on the body.

What is going on in the body?

Sebaceous cysts tend to develop in teenagers because of an interaction amonghormones, sebum, and bacteria. During puberty, the glands in the skin produceexcessive sebum. In skin that is prone to acne, the sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair folliclesand form comedones, or clogged pores. A comedone may break through the porewall underneath the skin and release its contents. This causes a pimple orpustule. If this substance is released deep into the skin it will cause asebaceous cyst.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There is no known cause for sebaceous cysts. Acne, which leads to sebaceous cysts in some individuals, iscaused by four factors:

hormones, particularly the hormone called androgen

increased production of sebum, the oily substance within the hairfollicles

changes in the lining of the hair follicles

bacteria and other organisms, which cause infectionsand inflammation when they are trapped within the hair follicles

Virtually every adolescent experiences some comedones, or cloggedpores. Generally, acne starts around the age of 10 to 13 years and lasts 5 to 10 years.Around the age of 14 or 15 years, approximately 40% of adolescents have acne that is serious enoughto require a visit a healthcare provider. Acne happens in both male and femaleadolescents, but males are more likely to have a severe form of acne. Somepeople develop acne for the first time as an adult.

Certain forms of acne tend to run in families. If an adolescent’s parents orolder siblings have severe acne, the adolescent has a higher risk of developingsevere acne. Acne is more common in Caucasian Americans than in AfricanAmericans or people of Asian descent.

Risk factors that increase an individual’s risk for development or worsening ofacne include the following:

makeup and skin care products, which can clog the hair follicles

menstrual cycles, which make acne flare-ups more likely in women when their glands are more sensitive to the hormone androgen

airborne grease, such as in a fast food restaurant

routine exposure to products such as motor oil, such as in an automotiveshop

rubbing and friction of the skin by hair, clothing, or sportingequipment

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A sebaceous cyst is a dome-shaped lump with a smoothsurface. It typically measures 1 to 5 centimeters. The cyst is usually white or the samecolor as the skin. These cysts can become irritated by clothes rubbing against themor by shaving. They may become bright red, swollen, and painful ifinfected.

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

The healthcare provider can diagnose a sebaceous cyst with a medical history andphysical examination. The cyst is compared to the person’s normal sebaceousglands.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There are no known measures to prevent sebaceous cysts. Acne,which may be a precursor to cysts, can be minimized by taking the following steps:

Wash the face twice a day with a mild soap, and pat it dry.

Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping comedones, pimples,pustules, and cysts. This type of manipulation actually makes the acneworse.

Select skin care products, such as makeup, foundations, moisturizers, and creams, that are labeled noncomedogenic. This means theydon’t clog pores.

Avoid prolonged exposure to oil and grease in settings such as fast foodrestaurants and automotive shops.

Avoid unnecessary friction from hair, clothing, or sportingequipment.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

In most people, sebaceous cysts are benign and cause no problems. But in somepeople, the cysts can become infected or can rupture, causing swelling and pain.

What are the risks to others?

Sebaceous cysts are not contagious and pose no risk to others.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

In most cases, no treatment is needed for sebaceous cysts. The cysts areusually small and are not bothersome at all. Sebaceous cysts may disappear ontheir own. Or they may remain in the same place at the same size withoutcausing any problems.

Some cysts are annoying because they rub against clothing. They may beunsightly or may become infected. In these cases they may need to be drained with asmall incision. Larger cysts may be removed entirely. The cyst and the sacaround it are removed to prevent recurrence.

Oral antibiotics, such as cloxacillin or erythromycin,may be given as part of the treatment for an infected cyst.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics can cause rash, stomach upset, or allergic reactions.Surgery to remove a cyst can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

There are few complications from sebaceous cysts. An untreated cyst can cause askin abscess, orinfection in the underlying soft tissue. Cysts do tend to recur, even when thesac has been removed. If even a small portion of the sac is left, the cyst canrecur.

How is the condition monitored?

Sebaceous cysts can be monitored by watching the size of the cyst and noting any redness orswelling that may indicate infection. Any new or worsening symptoms should bereported to the healthcare provider.

Article type: xmedgeneral