Cyst Beneath Skin: What You Should Know

An epidermoid cyst commonly feels like a rounded, smooth lump just under the surface. It may have a small central opening and can release thick, unpleasant-smelling material if it opens. A cyst is different from an abscess, although either can become tender, red, or swollen. A clinician may identify the lump by examining its position, texture, skin changes, and history. Other causes of a lump are possible, so a new or changing lesion should not be diagnosed from appearance alone.

You can compare this symptom with other types of [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/).

Do not squeeze, puncture, or repeatedly press the lump. These actions can irritate the lining, push material deeper, and make inflammation harder to settle. Keep the area clean and use a warm, clean compress for comfort if it is sore. If the cyst is rubbing against clothing, protect the skin rather than trying to empty it yourself.

A quiet cyst may only need observation. A painful or inflamed lesion may be treated with an injection into the skin, drainage when infection is suspected, or removal of the cyst wall when recurrence is a concern. The appropriate option depends on the examination.

Learn about [Cyst Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cyst-removal/) and [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/).

Arrange medical assessment if the lump is rapidly enlarging, increasingly painful, hot, red, or draining. Fever, spreading redness, or feeling generally unwell needs prompt attention because these features can accompany infection. Seek urgent help for swelling near the eye that affects vision, severe facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. A clinician should also examine a lump that is hard, fixed, repeatedly returning, or not behaving like a typical cyst.

Do not wait for it to burst before arranging review; treatment can be easier when the surrounding skin is less inflamed.

Ask whether the lump has features of an epidermoid cyst, whether inflammation or infection is present, and which treatment would protect the surrounding skin. You can also ask what changes should trigger a follow-up visit and how likely the lump is to return after the proposed treatment.