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Skin cysts are round lumps, often filled with fluid or pus. They're usually harmless and often do not need treatment. But see a GP if you have an unexplained lump.
Skin cysts:
Skin cysts can form on most areas of the body, including the head, face, neck, chest and back. It's also possible to get them on the scrotum or inside the vagina.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Skin cysts do not need to be treated if they're not causing any problems.
But treatment may be recommended if you have:
If you have a large, painful skin cyst which is making everyday tasks difficult, you may be able to have it removed on the NHS.
If it's not causing any problems but is on a visible part of your body, such as on your face, you may choose to have it removed. But you'll probably have to pay for this privately.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the cyst before it's cut out. You'll have a small scar after the wound has healed.
You may also get new skin cysts in the future.
Do not squeeze a skin cyst. If it bursts it could become infected, or if it's already infected you might spread the infection.
There are lots of different types of skin cyst. Here are some of the main types.
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
|
Location
A cyst that develops in the top layer of skin (epidermis) |
Type
Epidermoid cyst (sometimes known as a sebaceous cyst) |
|
Location
A cyst that forms in a hair follicle, usually on the scalp |
Type
Pilar cyst (also sometimes known as a sebaceous cyst) |
|
Location
A cyst in a joint or tendon, most commonly on the wrists, hands and fingers |
Type |
|
Location
A fluid-filled swelling on the back of the knee |
Type |
|
Location
A small, fluid-filled lump just inside the opening of the vagina |
Type |
|
Location
A small lump or swelling on the eyelid |
Type
Meibomian cyst or chalazion |
Anyone can get a skin cyst and it's not always known what causes them.
You may be more likely to get a skin cyst if:
Skin cysts are not cancerous and you cannot get them from someone who has one.
