At first glance, it might look like a pimple—a small, painless lump often ignored for months due to busy schedules or sheer inconvenience. But if that lump is an epidermoid cyst, the story changes. Though seemingly harmless, missing the right treatment window can lead to infection, recurrence, or even larger surgical scars. This is especially true for cysts on visible areas like the face, neck, or back, where accurate diagnosis and a scar-conscious treatment strategy are critical.
Epidermoid cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts, are benign tumors of the sebaceous gland that form when keratin or sebum accumulates beneath the skin. They develop when pores become blocked or when external irritation or trauma prevents proper sebum drainage, leading to the formation of a capsule (cyst) around the sebaceous gland. These cysts are typically painless and small, making them easy to overlook. However, over time, they can become inflamed or infected, often filling with pus.
Attempting to squeeze or self-treat these cysts is a mistake. Videos circulating on the internet or social media showing “cyst-popping” may tempt some to try it themselves, but this significantly increases the risk of infection and recurrence. While draining the pus may provide temporary relief, leaving the capsule intact almost guarantees the cyst will return in weeks or months.
Even though epidermoid cysts are benign, complacency is unwise. Some cysts may resemble malignant lesions like sebaceous gland carcinoma, requiring careful differentiation. Additionally, larger cysts often necessitate more extensive surgery, which can result in deeper scars.
If you notice a lump or bump on your skin, avoid self-diagnosis. Consulting a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment is the smartest approach. Ignoring what seems like a “small lump” could lead to larger, more noticeable scars down the line.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
