The balls are typically 3-20 mm in size, and are round or egg-shaped.
They have normal skin color but can be red or dark.
They are usually quite soft.
It is not uncommon for some sebum to be squeezed out of them, or for there to be a small (1-2 mm) opening at the top of the ball.
Sebaceous cysts can cause some pain and pressure on the underlying skin, but usually do not cause problems.
Typical places to have sebaceous cysts are the face, behind the ears, neck and back, but can occur almost anywhere.
Sometimes they can become infected with bacteria, and then they become red, sore and pus can come out.
A hair follicle begins to produce more sebum, and from being a few millimeters in size, it then grows in size.
It contains sebum and dead skin, which is a yellowish-white mass similar to fat, cheese or wax.
At the outer edge there is a capsule.
The cause is unknown, but heredity may predispose.
Acne can be a cause.
Lumps under the skin can be other than sebaceous cysts, such as lipoma (fat lumps) or enlarged lymph nodes.
If there is doubt as to whether it is a sebaceous cyst, the doctor may order an ultrasound examination.
A lump that just keeps growing should be evaluated by a doctor.
A sebaceous cyst can be treated by cutting it out.
This is a small operation where the doctor first applies local anesthetic and then cuts out the cyst with the capsule.
After the operation, some doctors will close the wound with a few stitches, while others will leave the wound open so that it closes from the bottom.
There is a risk of infection and bleeding after such an operation.
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.
