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Therapeutics in Dermatology
A reference textbook in dermatology

Cutaneous cysts

10 November 2015, by BALGUERIE X.

A cutaneous cyst is a sac under the skin filled with a substance that can be either fluid or a thicker paste. They are common and benign but they can be painful if they become inflamed or infected, or they can cause discomfort if they are highly visible.

The causes of cysts is very varied: they may be present from birth, and they may be single or multiple. Some forms run in families.

It is possible, but rare, for some kinds of cysts to get better spontaneously. The majority of cysts tend to gradually increase in size, leading to treatment being considered.

This treatment will most often be removal of the cyst under a local anaesthetic. However, it is crucial to first discuss the consequences in terms of scarring, as this is unavoidable.

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