What should you know about multiple cysts under skin?

An epidermoid cyst is a sac beneath the skin that contains keratin, a protein made by skin cells. It can feel like a smooth, rounded lump and may have a small central opening. Cysts can occur on the face, neck, trunk or elsewhere. Several lumps may have different causes, so a clinician should check rather than assume they are all identical. Inflammation can cause tenderness and redness even when the cyst is not infected.

Avoid squeezing or puncturing a cyst, because its contents can spread into nearby tissue and make inflammation worse. Make a note of size, location, pain and drainage. A quiet cyst may need observation only. A painful inflamed lesion may be considered for a [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), while a collection of pus may need [Abscess Drainage](/treatments/minor-procedures/abscess-drainage/). Definitive treatment for a troublesome cyst may involve [Cyst Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cyst-removal/).

Seek prompt advice for rapid growth, increasing warmth, spreading redness, significant pain, pus, fever or red streaking. Arrange assessment for a lump that is hard, fixed, persistently changing or unlike the others. Get urgent help for severe illness or uncontrolled bleeding. These features can signal infection or a different diagnosis and cannot be sorted reliably through a photograph alone.

Ask whether each lump has the same likely cause, whether inflammation or infection is present, and whether observation, drainage, injection or removal fits the current problem. Ask how to protect the area, whether a sample is needed, and how recurrence would be handled.