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Skin cyst

A skin cyst is a fluid-filled lump just underneath the skin. It's common and harmless, and may disappear without treatment.


You should therefore see a GP if you have any sort of lump so it can be properly diagnosed.

Cysts are sometimes confused with boils or skin abscesses.

Boils and abscesses are painful collections of pus that are caused by bacterial infections. A cyst may go on to become a boil or abscess.

A skin cyst is a round, dome-shaped lump. It's yellow or white, often with a small dark plug through which you might be able to squeeze out pus.


Skin cysts do not usually hurt, but can become tender, sore and red if they become infected.


Types of skin cyst


They affect young and middle-aged adults, and are particularly common in people with acne. They do not usually run in families.

Cysts that form around hair follicles are known as pilar cysts. They're often found on the scalp.

Pilar cysts typically affect middle-aged adults, mostly women. Unlike epidermoid cysts, they run in families.


Why do cysts form?





Anyone can develop a skin cyst, but you're more likely to have one if you've been through puberty, you have a history of acne, or you've injured the skin (for example, if you've damaged a hair follicle).

Skin cysts are not contagious.

Cysts are usually harmless. Small cysts that are not causing any problems can be left alone.


Do not be tempted to burst the cyst. If it's infected, you risk spreading the infection, and it can grow back if the sac is left underneath the skin.

See a GP if you think the cyst is infected. You may need a course of antibiotics.

Although some GP surgeries have minor surgery facilities, most do not remove cysts. You may be referred to a specialist, or you could pay for private treatment.

During a cyst removal, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. A tiny cut is made in the skin and the cyst is squeezed out.
