Sebaceous Cysts Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A small lump beneath the skin can be concerning, especially when you don’t know what caused it. One common type of skin lump is often referred to as a sebaceous cyst. These cysts are usually slow-growing and may appear on areas such as the face, neck, chest, back, or other parts of the body.

Although many cysts are harmless, it is important to understand that not every lump under the skin is a cyst. Some skin conditions can look similar, and a healthcare professional may need to examine an unusual or changing lump to determine its cause.

The term “sebaceous cyst” is also commonly used to describe several types of skin cysts, even though many of these cysts do not actually originate from sebaceous glands. In medical settings, terms such as epidermoid cyst and pilar cyst may be used depending on where the cyst originates.

Understanding the possible causes, symptoms, treatment choices, and warning signs can help you make informed decisions about a lump on your skin.

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A sebaceous cyst is a general term commonly used for a closed sac that develops beneath the skin and contains fluid, keratin, or other material.

Many lumps called sebaceous cysts are actually epidermoid cysts, which develop from cells that normally form the outer layer of the skin. These cells can become trapped beneath the surface and continue producing keratin, gradually creating a cyst.

Another type, called a pilar cyst, commonly develops from hair follicles and is frequently found on the scalp.

These cysts are generally benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, a healthcare professional should evaluate a lump if its appearance is unusual, it grows quickly, becomes painful, or changes over time.

What Causes Sebaceous Cysts?

Cysts can develop for different reasons depending on their type.

An epidermoid cyst may occur when skin cells move deeper into the skin instead of naturally shedding from the surface. These cells continue producing keratin, which accumulates inside a sac and gradually forms a lump.

Possible factors associated with cyst development include:

• Blocked or damaged hair follicles

• Skin injuries

• Trauma to the skin

• Certain inherited conditions

• Previous inflammation

• Problems involving hair follicles

• Changes in the normal shedding of skin cells

Sometimes, a cyst develops without an obvious cause.

A cyst may remain small for a long period before gradually becoming more noticeable.

Where Do Sebaceous Cysts Usually Appear?

Cysts can occur almost anywhere on the body, although certain areas are more common.

They may appear on:

• Face

• Neck

• Chest

• Upper back

• Shoulders

• Scalp

• Groin

• Genital area

The location can influence the type of cyst and the treatment approach.

For example, cysts on the scalp may interfere with brushing or hair care, while cysts in areas exposed to friction may become irritated more easily.

What Does a Sebaceous Cyst Look Like?

A typical skin cyst may appear as a round or dome-shaped lump beneath the skin.

Depending on its location and type, it may have a small opening or visible pore at its center. Some cysts are skin-colored, while others may appear slightly yellowish or reddish.

Common characteristics include:

• A smooth, rounded lump

• Slow growth

• A firm or soft texture

• Movement beneath the skin when touched

• A small central opening in some cases

• Little or no pain when not inflamed

The size can vary from very small to several centimeters across.

Some cysts remain stable for years, while others gradually become larger.

Are Sebaceous Cysts Painful?

A cyst that is not inflamed is often painless.

However, a cyst can become irritated or inflamed, which may cause:

• Tenderness

• Redness

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Increased sensitivity

• Pain when touched

Inflammation does not always mean that the cyst is infected. A healthcare professional can help determine whether infection is present.

If bacteria enter an irritated or damaged cyst, an infection can develop and may cause worsening pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage.

Can a Sebaceous Cyst Burst?

Yes, a cyst can sometimes rupture.

When a cyst breaks open, its contents may leak into surrounding tissue. This can cause inflammation and irritation.

A ruptured cyst may become painful, swollen, or red. It may also produce thick material with an unpleasant odor.

Although a ruptured cyst can sometimes appear to improve after draining, the cyst wall may remain beneath the skin. If the entire cyst is not removed, it can potentially return.

For this reason, attempting to squeeze or pop a cyst at home is generally not recommended.

Should You Pop a Sebaceous Cyst?

It is best not to squeeze, puncture, or pop a cyst yourself.

Trying to drain a cyst at home can:

• Introduce bacteria

• Increase inflammation

• Cause skin damage

• Lead to scarring

• Push cyst contents deeper into surrounding tissue

• Make future treatment more difficult

Even when material comes out, the cyst wall may remain underneath the skin.

If a cyst is bothersome, painful, infected, or repeatedly returns, a healthcare professional can determine the safest treatment.

How Are Sebaceous Cysts Diagnosed?

Many skin cysts can be identified through a physical examination.

A healthcare professional may examine the lump, ask how long it has been present, and determine whether it has changed in size or appearance.

In some situations, additional testing may be necessary, especially if the lump has unusual characteristics.

A healthcare professional may consider factors such as:

• Size

• Shape

• Location

• Texture

• Mobility

• Skin changes

• Pain or tenderness

• Rate of growth

• Drainage

If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, the tissue may sometimes be examined after removal.

Treatment Options for Sebaceous Cysts

Not every cyst requires treatment.

If a cyst is small, painless, and not causing problems, a healthcare professional may recommend simply monitoring it.

Treatment may be considered if the cyst:

• Becomes painful

• Is repeatedly inflamed

• Becomes infected

• Interferes with daily activities

• Is located in an irritating area

• Continues to grow

• Causes cosmetic concerns

• Repeatedly returns

The appropriate treatment depends on the type, location, size, and condition of the cyst.

Surgical Removal

Complete surgical removal is one of the main treatment options for a bothersome cyst.

During the procedure, a healthcare professional makes an opening in the skin and removes the cyst and, when possible, its surrounding wall.

Removing the entire cyst wall can reduce the chance of the cyst returning.

The procedure may be performed using local anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the cyst.

Afterward, the area may require simple wound care while it heals.

Drainage

A healthcare professional may sometimes drain a cyst, particularly if it is swollen or inflamed.

Drainage can relieve pressure and discomfort, but simply draining the contents does not necessarily remove the entire cyst wall.

As a result, the cyst may come back.

For recurrent cysts, complete removal may be considered when the surrounding inflammation has settled.

Treatment for an Infected Cyst

If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may involve drainage and other medical care.

Depending on the situation, a healthcare professional may recommend medication for infection, particularly when bacterial infection is suspected.

Do not attempt to treat a potentially infected cyst by squeezing it or applying unverified substances.

Signs of possible infection can include:

• Increasing redness

• Significant swelling

• Worsening pain

• Warm skin around the lump

• Pus or other drainage

• Fever

• Redness spreading into nearby skin

These symptoms warrant medical attention.

Can Sebaceous Cysts Go Away on Their Own?

Some cysts remain unchanged for long periods, while others may become smaller or rupture.

However, a cyst that has formed beneath the skin may not disappear permanently without treatment.

Even if a cyst drains on its own, its capsule can remain beneath the skin. This means the lump may return later.

If a cyst repeatedly becomes inflamed or bothersome, professional evaluation can help determine whether removal is appropriate.

Do Sebaceous Cysts Turn Into Cancer?

Most common skin cysts are benign and are not cancerous.

However, not every lump under the skin is a cyst. Some other conditions can resemble cysts, which is why a new, unusual, rapidly growing, or changing lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Seek medical advice if you notice a lump that:

• Grows rapidly

• Becomes unusually hard

• Changes significantly

• Bleeds without an obvious reason

• Develops persistent skin changes

• Causes unexplained pain

• Does not behave like a typical cyst

It is better to have an uncertain lump examined than to assume that every skin lump is a harmless cyst.

How Can Sebaceous Cysts Be Prevented?

Not all cysts can be prevented because they may develop for reasons that are difficult to control.

However, general skin-care habits can help maintain healthy skin.

Consider:

• Keeping the skin clean

• Avoiding unnecessary skin trauma

• Treating persistent acne or follicle problems appropriately

• Avoiding repeated squeezing of skin bumps

• Protecting irritated skin from excessive friction

If you frequently develop cysts, discuss the pattern with a healthcare professional. Multiple cysts can sometimes be associated with inherited conditions or other factors.

Sebaceous Cyst vs. Lipoma

A sebaceous or epidermoid cyst and a lipoma can both appear as soft lumps beneath the skin, but they are different conditions.

A lipoma is a benign growth made primarily of fatty tissue. It is usually soft, movable, and slow-growing.

A cyst, on the other hand, is generally a sac containing material such as keratin or fluid.

Because the two can sometimes feel similar, professional examination may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Sebaceous Cyst vs. Abscess

An abscess is different from a typical cyst.

An abscess is usually associated with an infection and may develop rapidly with significant pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever.

A typical non-infected cyst may be slow-growing and painless.

Because an inflamed cyst and an abscess can sometimes look similar, medical assessment can be useful when a lump becomes suddenly painful or swollen.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Many small, stable cysts are not emergencies, but certain changes should not be ignored.

Contact a healthcare professional if:

• A lump grows quickly

• The area becomes painful

• The skin becomes red or warm

• The cyst begins draining

• You develop a fever

• The lump repeatedly returns

• The diagnosis is uncertain

• The lump interferes with normal activities

• You notice unusual changes in the surrounding skin

Urgent medical attention may be appropriate if you develop rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, significant swelling, or fever along with a suspected skin infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sebaceous cysts dangerous?

Most cysts commonly described as sebaceous cysts are benign. However, a new or unusual lump should be assessed if there is uncertainty about what it is.

Can I remove a sebaceous cyst myself?

Self-removal is not recommended. Cutting, puncturing, or squeezing a cyst can cause infection, bleeding, scarring, and inflammation.

Do sebaceous cysts hurt?

Many are painless. They can become painful when irritated, inflamed, ruptured, or infected.

How long can a sebaceous cyst last?

A cyst can remain beneath the skin for months or years. Some remain stable, while others gradually increase in size or become inflamed.

Can a sebaceous cyst come back after removal?

Yes, particularly if the cyst wall is not completely removed. Professional removal of the entire cyst can reduce the chance of recurrence.

What happens if a sebaceous cyst bursts?

A ruptured cyst may release its contents and become inflamed. Keeping the area clean and seeking medical advice can help determine whether additional treatment is needed.

Are sebaceous cysts contagious?

Typical epidermoid and pilar cysts are not contagious. They do not spread from person to person like an infectious skin condition.

Can diet cause sebaceous cysts?

There is no simple dietary cause for most common skin cysts. Cysts generally develop because of changes involving skin cells, follicles, or other local factors.

Final Thoughts

Sebaceous cyst is a commonly used term for certain lumps that develop beneath the skin, although many of these growths are more accurately described as epidermoid or pilar cysts. They are usually benign and may remain small and painless for long periods.

A cyst can become irritated, inflamed, ruptured, or infected, causing pain, redness, swelling, and drainage. While some cysts require no treatment, persistent, painful, recurrent, or bothersome cysts may benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.

Most importantly, avoid trying to pop or cut open a cyst yourself. Doing so can increase the risk of infection and scarring without necessarily removing the cyst wall.

If you notice a new lump that grows quickly, changes significantly, becomes painful, bleeds, or is otherwise unusual, arrange an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional. Proper diagnosis is the best way to determine whether a lump is a harmless cyst or something that requires further attention.

Important: This article is provided for general educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a new, changing, painful, or infected-looking lump, consult a qualified healthcare professional.