How to Treat an Epidermoid Cyst
Having an epidermoid cyst on your face can be a really embarrassing situation. This is because it is a small growth that can be easily mistaken for a furuncle or carbuncle. It is important to recognize what is happening and take the necessary steps to treat it. There are three main methods of treating epidermoid cysts. You can use a surgical method, injection treatment, or a combination of the two.
Sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermoid cysts
Unlike epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts are not skin cancer. They are benign, slow-growing bumps that are filled with sebum, the oily substance that helps lubricate the skin. They are also not contagious. However, they can become infected, causing pain and inflammation.
Sebaceous cysts are caused by an obstruction of the sebaceous gland in a hair follicle. The obstruction can cause a long, narrow channel to form in the surface comedone. This can allow the cyst to move under the skin easily.
Occasionally, sebaceous cysts become infected, causing pain and swelling. This is because the sebum is a protective layer for the skin, which can be colonized by bacteria. The bacteria can cause the cyst to rupture, which can cause inflammation. If the cyst is infected, it will need to be drained and avulsed. This can be done by incision and drainage therapy.
Sebaceous cysts are usually located in the mid-to-deep reticular dermis of the skin. They can appear on the face, torso, or scalp. They are often associated with acne, which can increase the risk of developing sebaceous cysts. However, they are extremely rare in the breast.
Sebaceous cysts are rare and are not cancerous. However, they can become infected, which is why they should be treated immediately. They can also cause problems when they develop in the area of the mouth, eyes, and uvula.
Epidermoid cysts are also very rare and are not cancerous. They occur because the outer layer of the skin is damaged. They can be anywhere on the body and can be caused by skin injuries or acne. They are dome-shaped and usually have a central punctum.
When you develop a cyst, it will usually be painless, and it will be small. However, they can rupture and become infected. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation, it is important to get it checked out. Depending on the type of cyst, you may need to treat it with antibiotics. You can find more information about sebaceous cysts at the Cleveland Clinic.
Sebaceous cysts are often diagnosed using a skin exam. Your general practitioner will examine you and may recommend a cyst biopsy to rule out other skin growths. Once the cyst is removed, a pathologist can confirm the diagnosis.
Surgical removal
Surgical removal of epidermoid cysts is a simple and safe procedure. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic and is not invasive. Some patients are able to resume normal activity the day after surgery. However, patients may require extended time off work depending on the size of the cyst.
In this procedure, the skin is opened to allow the contents of the cyst to be squeezed out. The incision is small and the cyst can be closed with a single suture. A splash-proof dressing is used to cover the wound. The wound is usually healed in a week or two.
Some people may experience redness, tenderness, or bleeding at the site of the surgery. You should call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. You may be prescribed antibiotic ointment to apply to the wound. Apply the ointment daily until the wound heals.
After the procedure, you will need to stay with someone for 24 hours. You will need to avoid citrus juices for at least one day, as well as milk products. You should also avoid fried foods for one day.
You should take a shower the day after the procedure, and you may also be asked to wear protective eyewear. You should also avoid swimming. You may also need to wear a clear adhesive splatter-control shield to cover the site.
Depending on the type of cyst you have, you may need to attend a follow-up visit. If you have stitches, you will need to return to the doctor’s office in seven to ten days.
After removing the cyst, you should apply antibiotic ointment to the wound daily until it heals. You may also be prescribed a topical medication to be applied to the wound.
You can also ask your doctor to perform an excisional biopsy on your cyst. This is performed on smaller lesions, but you should send any larger lesions for histologic analysis.
If you have a large cyst, you may need a follow-up visit to make sure the cyst has been removed completely. You may also need to attend a follow-up visit if you experience any symptoms of infection.
Injection treatment
Unless it becomes infected or causes you pain, an epidermoid cyst will usually go away on its own. However, if it causes you any discomfort, it may be time to look into an epidermoid cyst injection treatment.
If a cyst becomes infected, the doctor will often prescribe antibiotics to help fight off the infection. The cyst will also need to be drained to help remove the infection. If the cyst is too large to be drained, surgery may be needed to remove it.
In some cases, a cyst may be so large that it can cause significant discomfort. If the cyst becomes infected, the doctor may recommend draining it or removing it completely.
If the cyst is infected, the doctor may suggest an injection to reduce the inflammation. Steroids can also be used to help reduce inflammation.
An epidermoid cyst may also be a result of a genetic disorder. It can occur in any part of the body. The most common sites are on the neck, face, and trunk. However, it can also appear on the mouth, genital mucosae, and other areas.
An epidermoid cyst is an abnormal cyst filled with debris and keratin. It is dome-shaped and often has a central punctum. The cysts can range in size from millimeters to inches. They do not cause any problems. It is rare for cysts to cause pain.
Surgical treatments for epidermoid cysts include cystectomy and excision. Cystectomy involves removing the cyst completely. Excision involves removing the cyst along with the capsule that surrounds it. Incomplete excision will leave a scar.
Other treatments for epidermoid cysts may include warm compresses and steroid injections. These treatments may help decrease inflammation and reduce the amount of pain the cyst causes.
Surgical removal of cysts is a good option if the cysts are small and not infected. However, large cysts may require surgery. This is a procedure that is fast and easy. If you have a cyst on your neck, face, or trunk, contact a dermatologist to get an evaluation. You may be able to get a diagnosis and treatment for your cyst using an ultrasound.
Mistaken for a furuncle or carbuncle
Several lesions with a similar appearance may be confused for a furuncle or carbuncle in the epidermoid cyst. In fact, these lesions can be found on the head, neck, and face. If the lesion is attached to underlying structures, it may be painful and require draining or incision. The most accurate diagnosis is made by culturing material from the lesion.
An epidermoid cyst also called an epidermal inclusion cyst, is a cystic-to-solid structure in which the epidermal layer, keratin lamellae, and mucoid attenuation material accumulate. The epidermoid cyst may be accompanied by a central punctum that connects the cyst to the skin surface. It is an ovoid or tubular structure with a mean diameter of 3.1 cm. The epidermoid cyst is found in the subcutaneous tissue.
A large epidermoid cyst may extend into the orbit or temporalis fossa. It may also present with tenderness, inflammation, and fluctuation. The cyst is often caused by bacterial colonization of the skin. Other causes include vigorous scratching, hot and humid climates, and diabetes mellitus. The cyst can be treated with antibiotics to decrease the chances of infection.
The epidermoid cyst may be detected on CT if it is located near the bone. It is a protruding mass with a characteristic onion-like appearance. It may have a thin rim enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1W images.
A gray-scale ultrasound image shows a well-defined hyperechoic lesion. An ultrasound of an epidermoid cyst in the cerebellopontine angle is similar to the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid on T2-weighted images. It also shows a concentric ring with dense-layered debris in the center of the cyst. It has intermediate ADC values that are similar to the parenchyma of the brain.
The epidermoid cyst is often accompanied by telangiectasia, a red, erythematous lesion in the lining of the cyst that may be difficult to clear. If an epidermoid cyst is infected, it may require drainage or incision. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to reduce infection and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. The cyst may become infected with Gram-positive bacteria.
During the examination, the epidermoid cyst may appear as a solid mass that is surrounded by a rim of cheese-like material. It may also appear as a nodule. It is important to drain the lesion and sterilize the surgical site with an antiseptic solution.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
