From fluid-filled lumps to soft swellings, we discuss what skin cysts look like to help you identify & treat them
Skin cysts can happen anywhere in the body and are usually harmless. Most skin cysts will require no treatment and some may go away on their own. However, there are some types of cysts that will require a medical review.
We talk you through the different types of cysts, and how they look, to help you identify them.
What is a skin cyst?
A skin cyst is a non-cancerous, closed pocket of skin tissue that looks like a round lump. They sit beneath the skin and often contain fluid or pus. Skin cysts can form in many different parts of the body, including the head, neck, face, chest, back and some people can also get them on or inside their scrotum.
Although most types won’t go away on their own, they are often harmless and don’t require treatment. Sometimes, you may not even notice they’re there.
If you do have an unexplained lump, you should always get it investigated by your GP, as further tests may be required to confirm or rule out whether it’s a cyst.
Why do people get skin cysts?
Anyone can get skin cysts and the exact cause is not always known. Some research suggests that you may be more likely to get a cyst if:
• A member of your family also has cysts. This is particularly common with pilar cysts, which we’ll go into later
• You're an adult, particularly in middle age
• You're a woman
• You have acne. Read more about acne and treatment options
• You have a rare condition, such as Gardner syndrome (a rare, genetic disorder that leads to growths on various areas of the body)
What does a cyst look like on the skin?
Most skin cysts look like a round lump and can feel like a frozen pea that’s been trapped beneath the skin. However, there are many different types of skin cysts, and their appearance can vary slightly from one another.
Below are some of the most common forms of skin cyst, alongside a brief description of what they look like.
Epidermoid cyst (sometimes known as a sebaceous cyst)
In appearance, epidermoid cysts look like a small bump. The overlaying skin can vary in colour. You may notice is looks similar to your skin colour, white, or yellow. These cysts develop in the top layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis.
Most epidermoid cysts don’t pose a risk to your health, therefore they can be left untreated. However, if they become painful or infected, there are treatment options available, including surgical removal of the cyst, antibiotics to reduce swelling or they can be drained. Your GP should discuss these options with you.
Pilar cyst (sometimes known as a sebaceous cyst)
Forming in the hair follicle, usually on the scalp, a pilar cyst is a small, round or dome-shaped bump that can be yellow or white in colour. Pilar cysts grow very slowly, so you may not notice them at first until they grow in size.
In terms of treatment, pilar cysts will usually clear on their own. However, if you are concerned, speak to your GP.
Ganglion cyst
A fluid-filled swelling that commonly effects the wrists, hands and finger. Ganglion cysts usually develop near a joint or tendon. They look and feel like a smooth lump under the skin which can vary in size from as small as a pea to as large as a golf ball.
Although harmless, they can sometimes cause pain and discomfort. The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. However, they seem to form when synovial fluid (the thick liquid located between your joints) leaks out and collects in a sac.
Baker’s cyst
Commonly developed from a knee injury, a Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that looks like a bulge of skin on the back of the knee. It can often cause a feeling of tightness.
Treatment is usually not required if you have a Baker’s cyst and aren’t experiencing symptoms. However, painkillers like ibuprofen can help if appropriate/suitable for you, alongside a knee support or ice pack. If your cyst is causing disruption to your everyday life, consult a GP who may recommend draining it.
Bartholin’s cyst
These look like soft, painless lumps that are filled with pus or fluid and develop just inside the opening of the vagina. If they become infected the lumps can become red, tender and swollen
Treatment is not required if you don’t experience any symptoms. However, if you develop a lump in the area around your vagina you should always inform your GP. Confirming a diagnosis can help your medical professional rule out other serious conditions.
Chalazion cyst (also known as a meibomian cyst)
A chalazion cyst can cause mild pain or irritation as it’s located on the eyelid. This type of cyst looks like a small lump or swelling that’s often red in colour.
Easy to treat, swelling from chalazion cysts are usually reduced with antibiotics. If treatment doesn’t work, your GP may recommend a small operation to remove the cyst. This is a relatively quick procedure that usually takes around 20 mins.
Pilonidal cyst
Pilonidal cysts look like a large pimple, located at the bottom of your tailbone. Although the cause is not obvious, most people believe they develop from ingrown hairs. Pus or blood can drain from this type of cyst, which can cause some pain and discomfort.
To help ease the pain, you can soak in a bath of warm water. This might encourage the cyst to drain on its own. Or it can be surgically removed if your GP feels its necessary.
Breast cysts
Unexplained lumps in the breast can be linked to several different causes. Typically, a breast cyst looks like a build-up of fluid beneath the skin. They’re smooth and tender to touch and easily moveable with distinct edges.
It’s important to speak to your GP if you find a breast lump as they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Try not to worry, this is normal protocol, and your GP may request further testing to rule out any other underlying health conditions.
Acne cysts
Acne cysts, also known as cystic acne, look like pus-filled lumps that are similar in appearance to boils. Acne cysts can be red in colour or skin-coloured and sit deep in your skin.
The exact cause of acne cysts are unknown. However, it’s thought to be linked to hormones called androgens that lead to changes in the skin. In terms of treatment, your GP will recommend the appropriate treatment options for you.
How to get rid of a skin cyst?
I would usually title this ‘How to treat cysts’. However, this question ranked high from SEO research so can we leave it as it is ?
Not all skin cysts require treatment. Sometimes, they may not need it, or they can often go away on their own. There are some circumstances where a skin cyst would need to be treated, including:
• If the cyst becomes infectet
• If the cyst interferes with your everyday life
Although your skin cyst might be harmless, it can become painful and grow to a size which makes it difficult to manage. For example, you may have a cyst behind your ear which catches every time you wear glasses. Your GP may recommend a removal in these instances.
Luckily, a skin cyst removal is a relatively simple procedure. First, the area around the cyst is numbed using a local anaesthetic before the cyst is cut out. After the wound is healed a small scar may form. This is often nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned speak to your GP.
Removing a cyst doesn’t minimise your risk of them returning. You can still get new skin cysts after a removal has taken place. If you want to have your skin cyst removed for cosmetic reasons over medical, you’ll most likely have to pay for this privately.
What happens is a skin cyst is left untreated?
As discussed, most skin cysts will not require treatment if they aren’t causing any harm. However, if an infected or inflamed cyst is left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body. If you find an unexplained lump on your skin, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
Skin cysts dos and don’ts
You’ve probably heard about an ‘old wives’ tale’ that suggest hitting cysts with a heavy book to burst them. The truth? This is the opposite of what you should do and hitting your cyst with anything is not recommended.
To help you look after your skin cyst correctly, we’ve compiled a few skin cyst dos and don’ts below:
Do:
• Keep your skin cyst clean
• Bathe it gently with a clean cloth and warm water. This can help to soothe the cyst and may speed up the healing process
• Gently wrap your cyst in a bandage if it starts to drain. Make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible
• Make an appointment with your GP if your cyst becomes very painful or inflamed
Don’t:
• Squeeze or burst your skin cyst. It may become infected once it bursts and the infection can spread without the correct medical treatment
• Try to remove the cyst yourself as you can increase your risk of infection and may create a scar
Not all unexplained lumps on your skin are necessarily cysts. So, if you’re unsure, speak to your GP. Some types of cysts will require a medical review.
Looking for more advice? Read on for more information on other skin conditions.
