Cysts Under The Skin – Many medical conditions can seem innocuous initially but later snowball into life-threatening diseases. It is quite normal to ignore natural changes in our bodies that are visible to the naked eye. However, in some cases, these changes can be alarming. One such example discussed in this blog post is the formation of cysts under the skin.
Cysts are of different types, but the most common one, known as an epidermoid cyst, forms under the skin. Discovering a cyst under your skin even though you are completely healthy can be worrying, but in most cases, it is not a cause for concern.
Multiple factors can lead to the formation of cysts beneath the skin, and most of them can be easily treated. So, in this article, we will look at everything that you should know about cysts under the skin.
Table of Contents
What are the symptoms of a cyst under the skin?
Here are some common symptoms that you should be familiar with:
- A tiny, round, or oval-shaped formation of a bump beneath the skin. It usually appears on the neck, face, or trunk but can occur in any part of the body. A cyst under the skin is easily visible to the naked eye.
- There will always be a small blackhead plugging at the center of a cyst beneath your skin. This is another way to easily distinguish a cyst from any other changes.
- The discharge of a thin, yellowish material from the cyst. This material might even smell, and it usually drains when you accidentally press the cyst.
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the area where the cyst has developed. Doctors always check for these types of swelling and redness to identify cysts.
When to see a doctor?
In most cases, there is nothing to worry about a cyst under the skin, but if you are dealing with any of the below-mentioned conditions, you should immediately consult a doctor:
- If the cyst that formed recently has completely ruptured, is painful, or has been infected. In such a case, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- If a cyst has formed beneath your facial skin, it can make you self-conscious about your appearance. Many people consult a doctor in such cases for cosmetic reasons.
- If the cyst does not stop growing and keeps getting bigger with time, it should be a red flag, and you should get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible.
- If you are experiencing unexplainable weight loss following the formation of a cyst under the skin, it should be a cause for concern, and you should get it checked by a doctor.
Diagnosis of Cysts under the Skin
Diagnosing a cyst under the skin involves a physical examination and assessing the patient’s medical history. During the physical examination, the doctor might gently pinch or squeeze the cyst. The doctor will also ask you common questions like how long the cyst has been present, if it is painful, whether you have noticed any other bodily changes since the formation of the cyst, and more. The doctor might even prescribe some common tests to ascertain the nature of the cyst, such as:
- Imaging tests – Doctors may use different kinds of imaging tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, and even CT scans for diagnosis.
- Blood test – A blood test is commonly prescribed to check the white blood count and any hormonal imbalance.
Discovering a cyst under the skin need not be perturbing since they are often harmless and easily treatable. However, it is advisable to heed the signs and symptoms outlined above and consult a doctor when necessary.
