Skin Conditions: Cysts, Lumps and Bumps

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts, also called sebaceous cysts, are benign (non-cancerous) skin cysts formed from blocked oil glands in the skin. Most commonly, epidermoid cysts are found on the genitals, trunk and back; but, they also can occur in other areas of the skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Epidermoid Cysts?

In general, epidermoid cysts have a round appearance. A dark portion of the cyst is visible on the skin. If the cysts become infected, they will become red and tender. When the cysts are squeezed, they can produce a cheesy white discharge.

How Are Epidermoid Cysts Treated?

The effective treatment of epidermoid cysts requires that the sac of the cyst be completely removed. If the cyst is squeezed and the discharge is forced out, the cyst will reappear in the skin. Usually, a doctor will be able to remove the cyst by making only a small incision in the skin. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infected cysts.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be caused by an infection in the hair follicles, by chemical irritation or by physical irritation (for example, shaving or friction from clothing). Typical body sites that are involved in folliculitis include the face, thighs and scalp.

Folliculitis is more common in people who have diabetes mellitus. It also is more common in people who are obese or have compromised immune systems.

What Are the Symptoms of Folliculitis?

The main lesion in folliculitis is a papule or pustule with a central hair. The hair shaft in the middle of the lesion may not be seen.

Other symptoms include:

• Multiple red pimples and/or pustules on hair-bearing areas of the body
• A rash
• Itching skin

How Is Folliculitis Treated?

Topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics or antifungal medications may be used to treat infections associated with folliculitis. Treatment also involves preventing further damage to the hair follicles. Steps that can help achieve this goal include:

• Minimizing friction from clothing
• Not shaving in the affected area, if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time.
• Keeping the area clean

Keratoacanthoma

A keratoancanthoma occurs when cells in a hair follicle do not grow normally. The growth apparently is triggered by a minor skin injury in an area that previously had suffered sun damage. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is the biggest risk factor in keratoacanthomas.

A keratoacanthoma usually will appear on sun-damaged skin as a thick growth that has a central crusted plug.

Keratoacanthomas appear most often in people who are over the age of 60.

What Are the Symptoms of a Keratoacanthoma?

Keratoacanthomas are rapidly growing, red, dome-shaped bumps with central craters. Some keratoacanthomas can grow to extremely large sizes, occasionally 3 to 6 inches in diameter.