What Are Sebaceous Cysts?

A sebaceous cyst is a painless, slow growing lump found just under the skin. It may be caused by a swollen hair follicle, skin injury or a block in the sebaceous gland. Sometimes it is also called the epidermal cyst.

It may occur anywhere on the body but is commonly found on the scalp, ears, back, face and upper arms. Many times it occurs in the genitalia of both men and women. It is usually round and smooth to touch and is filled with a semi-solid substance called sebum.

Sebaceous cysts do not require any medical treatment if they are small and not visible as they disappear on their own in the course of time. But if they grow, become tender and red, they need treatment. Injections of steroids or antibiotics are the common remedies. Ugly looking or infected sebaceous cysts need to be surgically removed or it may become a painful abscess. Surgery also ensures that no re-occurrence takes place.

A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains an oily, white, semisolid material called sebum. In case of infected sebum the cyst is red, tender; there is increased temperature of the skin over the bumps or lumps, and a grey white, cheesy foul smelling material drains from the bump or lump. The common sites of a sebaceous cyst are on the scalp, labia, scrotum, chest, and back, but it can also occur on other sites on the body. A foul odor is also often present in the substance called keratin which fills sebaceous cysts.

The diagnosis of cysts is usually easy as it can be identified with the naked eye. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to differentiate it from other similar conditions.

These cysts recover and disappear on their own. Sebaceous cysts do not have to be removed unless they are cosmetically unacceptable or if they get infected. Whereas small inflamed cysts are often treated with injectible steroids or with antibiotics.

Complication of Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts can form into painful abscesses, once treated the recurrence is not usual.

Sebaceous cysts are often found on the skin of the scrotum and they are basically blocked and swollen grease glands. They are similar in appearance to a yellow coloured pimple and often there is more than one present on the skin.

You do not often think that the skin has literally millions of sweat glands. They become blocked extremely easily and that is what causes the sebaceous cysts. Usually you do not particularly have to worry about them. They may clear up on their own but if they do become infected then you will have to see a doctor. Infected sebaceous cysts are usually sore and red in appearance. So sebaceous cysts are more commonly found on the skin of the scrotum and if you do notice them do not panic as unless they do get infected, they will not cause you any problems.