Atheromas are fairly common, benign cysts in the skin. The cysts are filled with keratin (skin proteins) and fatty masses. The content is often described as "cheesy".
In terms of size, they can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Atheromas can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common in hairy areas.
The diagnosis is made on the basis of its appearance.
Atheromas typically occur among middle-aged people, and are seen twice as often among men than women.
They can occur when parts of the upper skin (epidermis), often in connection with a hair follicle, are caught under the rest of the skin. This can happen by accident, or by damage to the skin's surface.
They have no particular cause, but some forms (including scalp atheromas) have a certain degree of heredity.
Atheromas are not dangerous and do not require any treatment. As a rule, they will grow slowly over many years and change little over time. Rarely, they can disappear on their own.
If removal is desired, a small operation under local anesthesia is necessary. This is possibly done for cosmetic reasons, or due to pain/discomfort, location or constantly recurring inflammations/infections.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
