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Skin cyst (epidermoid cyst)

Also called: Epidermoid cyst, sebaceous cyst, skin cyst

A round, slow-growing lump under the skin, often with a small dark pore on top. Most are harmless and painless unless they get inflamed or infected.

TypeHarmless lump
Common placesFace, neck, back, chest
TreatmentNone, or removal

Overview

Cysts form when skin cells grow under the skin and fill with a cheesy material.

They can become red, swollen, and painful if they rupture or get infected.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Round lump under the skin, sometimes with a small hole

Less common

  • Cheesy drainage

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA red, hot, painful lump with fever.
See a doctor soonA lump that grows, is hard, or doesn't move.

Causes

Blocked hair follicles or skin injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Acne
  • Adults

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by feeling it.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long and whether it changed

The exam

A skin exam.

Treatment

Leave a calm cyst alone.

Self-care

  • Don't squeeze it: it can rupture and get infected
  • Use warm compresses if it's sore

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Antibiotics (prescription)
Infected cysts

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A clinician can drain an inflamed cyst or remove the whole cyst so it doesn't come back.

Prevention

No sure prevention.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist or a surgeon.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless; can come back unless removed.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Should it be removed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Skin cyst (epidermoid cyst)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.