Skin cysts are very common conditions treated by dermatologists. Although some cysts are harmless, they can cause serious medical problems in other cases. If you have a cyst, it is important to get it examined by a dermatologist to prevent complications. Here is what you need to know about cysts and how they can affect you.
There are multiple kinds of cysts.
In a general sense, skin cysts are skin cells that have become clumped together under a specific location on the skin, often mixed with fluids. Beyond this broad definition, there are many different kinds of cysts that can occur on different parts of the body. A sebaceous cyst is the most common kind of skin cyst. These grow in the sebaceous glands, often in the neck or on the face. Pilar cysts and epidermoid cysts are other common forms of skin cysts.
Cysts can become infected and cause pain.
Cysts are often painless, which makes people simple ignore them and wait for them to go away. However, over time, cysts can become infected. When this happens, the cyst will become painful, and the skin around it will turn red. This kind of infection can be serious and can spread throughout the body if not treated by a dermatologist. Because all cysts have the potential to become infected, your dermatologist should examine any that you develop, even if they are not causing any symptoms.
Treatment depends on your cyst.
Your dermatologist will decide what treatment is best for your cyst. If it is infected, he or she may decide to open and drain it. If it is not infected, he or she may remove the entire cyst. If you get cysts repeatedly in the same location, your dermatologist may remove some of the skin around the area to prevent it from recurring.
Contact your dermatologist at Arlington Dermatology if you suspect that you have a cyst. Our providers treat a wide range of conditions, from cysts to rosacea and acne, and offer effective cosmetic treatments. To make an appointment with a dermatologist in Arlington Heights, please call [company-phone id=1].
