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Sebaceous Cyst - Sebaceous Cyst symptom, treatment, causes

Sebaceous Cyst is a painless smooth lump in the skin resulting from blockage of the duct of a sebaceous gland and formation of a cyst as the gland becomes distended with thick, yellowish sebum (an oily skin secretion).

Sebaceous cysts occur most often on the scalp (where they are called wens), face, neck and back and around the genitals. The cysts are harmless, but any that become large and unsightly or uncomfortable may be surgicany removed, by a simple procedure with local anaesthetic. Occa sionally a cyst may become infected, forming a sebaceous abscess, which needs treatment with antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage of pus.

A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac found just under the skin containing pasty- or cheesy-looking skin secretions. A foul odor is also often present in the substance called keratin which fills sebaceous cysts. Keratin is a protein that creates the sac of cells called sebaceous cysts. The bumps or lumps you can feel under your skin are actually the sac of cells. The scalp , ears , back , face , and upper arms , are common sites for sebaceous cysts, though they may occur anywhere on the body except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In males a common pace for them to develop is the scrotum and chest. They are more common in hairier areas, where in cases of long duration they could result in hair loss on the skin surface immediately above the cyst. They are smooth to the touch, vary in size, and are generally round in shape. They are generally mobile masses that can consist of fibrous tissues and fluids, to a fatty, (keratinous), substance that resembles cottage cheese, or a somewhat viscous, serosanguinous fluid, (containing purulent and bloody material). At surgery a cyst can usually be excised in its entirety; poor surgical technique or previous infection leading to scarring and tethering of the cyst to the surrounding tissue may lead to rupture during excision and removal. A completely removed cyst will not recur, though if the patient has a predisposition to cyst formation further cysts may develop in the same general area.

Sebaceous cyst is a small, smooth, movable round lump just beneath the skin that are filled with an oily, white, semisolid material called sebum. If the sebum becomes infected, the cyst will be red and painful. They are commonly found on the labia majora of the vulva, back, and trunk, but can also be found on other parts of the body.  The cysts generally have a round appearance.  A black, dark portion of the cyst is visible on the skin.  If squeezed, the cysts exude a stringy, cheesy white material.  If the cysts become infected, they will become red and tender.  Sebaceous Cyst s are primarily a cosmetic problem or a nuisance if they form in body regions that are easily irritated, such as the armpit.  These cysts are benign and do not develop into cancer.

Causes of Sebaceous Cyst

The common Causes of Sebaceous Cyst :

• Changes in the lining of the hair follicles.
• Increased production of sebum, the oily substance within the hair follicles.
• Hormones, particularly the hormone called androgen.
• Bacteria and other organisms, which cause infections and inflammation when they are trapped within the hair follicles.

Symptoms of Sebaceous Cyst

Some common Symptoms of Sebaceous Cyst :

• Redness, tenderness, or increased temperature of the skin over the area may occur infection.
• Usually a nontender, small lump beneath the skin.
• Grayish-white, cheesy, foul-smelling material may drain from the cyst.
• Painless smooth skin lump.
• A thick yellowy sebum in the lump.
• Release of a grayish white or brown discharge with a cheesy consistency.

Treatment of Sebaceous Cyst

• The total sac of the Sebaceous Cyst must be removed. If the cheesy material is just squeezed out, the cyst will reform.  The removal of the cyst is usually performed by a physician.  Sometimes a small incision is required.  In the case of infected cysts, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Cutting open the cyst, draining the contents, and removing the cyst wall (There is a chance of recurrence with this method.).
• Good hygiene may prevent the formation of Sebaceous Cyst s.  Daily showers or baths with antibacterial soap are recommended.  It is important to wash the back.  Some individuals are predisposed to development of these cysts, so even careful hygiene does not prevent them.
• Surgical removal of the entire cyst, including its contents and cyst wall
• Injection of steroids into the cyst to reduce inflammation (This will not remove the cyst.)