What should you know about soft cyst under skin?

An epidermoid cyst is a sac beneath the skin that can contain keratin, a thick skin protein. It may be round, mobile, and painless, sometimes with a small central opening. Cysts can occur on the face, neck, trunk, or other areas. A lump that becomes tender, red, warm, swollen, or draining may be inflamed or infected; an abscess can look similar but needs different care. A soft feel alone does not establish the diagnosis.

Avoid squeezing, puncturing, or trying to drain the lump yourself. Reduce rubbing and keep the skin clean. A small, quiet cyst may be observed after assessment. If it is troublesome or repeatedly inflamed, cyst removal may address the sac; drainage can relieve an abscess but may not remove a cyst wall. In selected inflamed cysts, a clinician may consider a steroid injection into the skin. The choice depends on the examination.

Seek prompt assessment for rapid growth, increasing pain, warmth, spreading redness, pus, fever, or red streaking from the area. Urgent care is appropriate if you feel faint or unwell, or if swelling is near the eye or affects breathing or swallowing. Arrange a routine review for any new, persistent, hard, fixed, bleeding, or changing lump, even when it is not painful.

Ask whether the lump is most consistent with a cyst, abscess, lipoma, or another growth; whether it needs testing; and which treatment fits its current state. Discuss wound care, recurrence, scarring, pain control, and symptoms that should bring you back sooner.