Different Types of Cysts on Skin

An epidermoid cyst is often a slow-growing, rounded lump under the skin and may have a small central opening. A pilar cyst commonly develops around a hair follicle, especially on the scalp. A painful, warm, tender lump may be inflamed or may be an abscess, which contains infected material rather than the usual cyst contents. Some cyst-like lumps are not cysts at all, so a new or changing lump deserves an examination. You can read more about [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/).

Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly press a cyst, because this can irritate the skin and spread infection. Keep the area clean and note its size, tenderness, drainage, and any recurrence. A clinician may use observation, an injection such as [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), drainage for an abscess, or [Cyst Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cyst-removal/) when the lump is troublesome or returns.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if a lump becomes rapidly more painful, red, hot, swollen, or starts draining, or if you feel unwell. Seek urgent help for spreading redness, severe pain, or facial swelling. A clinician should also assess a lump that is hard, fixed, bleeding, repeatedly returning, or changing in appearance.

Ask: Does this feel like an epidermoid cyst, a pilar cyst, or an abscess? Is treatment needed now, and what signs would mean it is infected? If removal is considered, will the cyst wall be treated as well, and how can recurrence be reduced?