Sebaceous Cyst: When a Small Lump Calls for Gentle Attention
You may feel it before you see it—a soft, round lump under your skin that moves when touched. It doesn’t hurt… until it does. This is likely a sebaceous cyst—one of the most common skin growths, yet often misunderstood.
At SkinWise Clinic, we help you understand, treat, and safely remove cysts—before they become painful or infected.
What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst, often referred to as an epidermoid or epidermal inclusion cyst, is a non-cancerous, slow-growing lump that forms under the skin. It arises when a hair follicle or sebaceous gland becomes blocked, trapping keratin and oil inside a sac-like lining.
Contrary to popular belief, most “sebaceous” cysts don’t actually come from sebaceous glands—but the term is still widely used.
Common Sites
Scalp
Face
Neck
Back
Ears
Chest
Groin
They are usually painless, unless infected or ruptured.
How to Recognize a Sebaceous Cyst
Round, dome-shaped lump beneath the skin
Skin-colored, white, or yellowish
Moves slightly under pressure
May have a visible central black dot (pore or punctum)
Size ranges from a few millimetres to several centimetres
May ooze foul-smelling cheesy material if ruptured
What Causes It?
Sebaceous cysts occur when dead skin cells or keratin get trapped, often due to:
Blocked hair follicles
Injury or trauma to the skin
Acne or oily skin
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal imbalances
They are not caused by poor hygiene or infections.
Are They Dangerous?
Most sebaceous cysts are harmless, but you should seek attention if:
The cyst becomes painful or swollen
It starts growing rapidly
Redness or pus develops (sign of infection)
It recurs frequently
You’re unsure if it’s a cyst or something more serious
A proper diagnosis rules out rare but serious conditions like pilar cysts, abscesses, or lipomas.
How We Treat Sebaceous Cysts at SkinWise Clinic
We provide safe, aesthetic, and effective treatments, tailored to your needs.
✅ Medical Management (for inflamed cysts)
Antibiotics (topical or oral)
Warm compresses for comfort
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation (in select cases)
✂️ Minor Surgical Excision (Definitive Treatment)
Done under local anaesthesia
The entire cyst sac is carefully removed to prevent recurrence
Quick, outpatient procedure (20–40 minutes)
Minimal scarring with expert technique
❗We Avoid:
Squeezing or popping cysts (can cause infection or scarring)
Incomplete drainage (leaves sac behind = recurrence)
Aftercare
Mild soreness or swelling for 1–2 days
Keep area clean and dry
Stitches (if used) are removed in 5–7 days
Scar care tips will be provided
Re-pigmentation and flattening occur over weeks