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Epidermal Cyst

An epidermal cyst, or sebaceous cyst, is a sac beneath the outer layer of the skin that is filled with a cheeselike, greasy material (sebum). These cysts most often appear on the scalp, ears, face, back, or scrotum and are caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair follicle.

Signs and symptoms include a bump or lump under the skin that is:

  • Firm and easily moveable.
  • Yellow, white, or flesh-colored. It can turn bright red if injured, inflamed, or infected.
  • Painless (but can be painful if injured or infected).
  • Between 0.4 in. (1 cm) to 1.6 in. (4 cm) in diameter, although hormone stimulation or injury may cause a cyst to become larger.

Medical treatment is usually not needed if the cyst does not cause symptoms. A cyst can be removed if its appearance causes embarrassment or if it becomes injured or infected. If the cyst is infected, antibiotics may be used.

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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