What should you know about a cyst in scrotum skin?

An epidermoid cyst forms beneath the skin and can contain keratin, a thick material made by skin cells. It may feel round, firm, or slightly mobile, sometimes with a tiny central opening. The lump is in the scrotal skin rather than necessarily within the testicle, but only an examination can establish its position. A cyst can remain quiet, become irritated by friction, or become inflamed and tender. Other skin lumps can resemble a cyst, so do not rely on appearance alone.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly rub the lump; these actions can injure the skin and introduce infection. Keep the area clean and dry, and choose comfortable underwear while it is irritated. Arrange a clinician visit if it persists, returns, or worries you. A clinician may examine the skin and decide whether observation, an injection for inflammation, drainage of an abscess, or planned cyst removal fits the finding. See [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) for related symptom guidance.

Seek prompt medical care for rapidly increasing swelling, marked redness or warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, skin breakdown, or pain in the testicle. Urgent assessment is also sensible when a lump feels fixed, is changing, or its location is unclear. A sudden severe testicular pain or a testicle that sits differently needs emergency attention rather than home monitoring.

Could this be in the scrotal skin or deeper? What features make a cyst more or less likely? Should it be watched, treated for inflammation, drained, or removed? What changes should prompt an earlier review?