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Cysts

Sebaceous Cysts

Other Names : Pilar Cyst, Epidermoid Cyst

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Sebaceous cysts are sacs just beneath the skin that are filled with an oily, white, semisolid material called sebum. If the sebum becomes infected, the cyst will be red and painful. Sebaceous cysts are commonly seen on the scalp, labia, scrotum, chest, and back, but can be found anywhere on the body.

Development of Cysts

Sebaceous cysts tend to develop in teenagers because of an interaction among hormones, sebum, and bacteria. During puberty, the glands in the skin produce excessive sebum. In skin that is prone to acne, the sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles and form comedones, or clogged pores. A comedone may break through the pore wall underneath the skin and release its contents. This causes a pimple or pustule. If this substance is released deep into the skin it will cause a sebaceous cyst.

Signs and Symptoms of Cysts

A sebaceous cyst is a dome-shaped lump with a smooth surface. It typically measures 1 to 5 centimeters. The cyst is usually white or the same color as the skin. These cysts can become irritated by clothes rubbing against them or by shaving. They may become bright red, swollen, and painful if infected.

Causes and Risks

There is no known cause for sebaceous cysts. Acne, which leads to sebaceous cysts in some individuals, is caused by four factors:

• hormones, particularly the hormone called androgen
• increased production of sebum, the oily substance within the hair follicles
• changes in the lining of the hair follicles
• bacteria and other organisms, which cause infections and inflammation when they are trapped within the hair follicles

Virtually every adolescent experiences some comedones, or clogged pores. Generally, acne starts around the age of 10 to 13 years and lasts 5 to 10 years. Around the age of 14 or 15 years, approximately 40% of adolescents have acne that is serious enough to require a visit a healthcare provider. Acne happens in both male and female adolescents, but males are more likely to have a severe form of acne. Some people develop acne for the first time as an adult.

Certain forms of acne tend to run in families. If an adolescent's parents or older siblings have severe acne, the adolescent has a higher risk of developing severe acne. Acne is more common in Caucasian Americans than in African Americans or people of Asian descent.

Risk factors that increase an individual's risk for development or worsening of acne include the following:

• makeup and skin care products, which can clog the hair follicles
• menstrual cycles, which make acne flare-ups more likely in women when their glands are more sensitive to the hormone androgen
• airborne grease, such as in a fast food restaurant
• routine exposure to products such as motor oil, such as in an automotive shop
• rubbing and friction of the skin by hair, clothing, or sporting equipment

Prevention of Cysts

There are no known measures to prevent sebaceous cysts. Acne, which may be a precursor to cysts, can be minimized by taking the following steps:

• Wash the face twice a day with a mild soap, and pat it dry.
• Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping comedones, pimples, pustules, and cysts. This type of manipulation actually makes the acne worse.
• Select skin care products, such as makeup, foundations, moisturizers, and creams, that are labeled noncomedogenic. This means they don't clog pores.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to oil and grease in settings such as fast food restaurants and automotive shops.
• Avoid unnecessary friction from hair, clothing, or sporting equipment.

Treatments for Cysts

In most cases, no treatment is needed for sebaceous cysts. The cysts are usually small and are not bothersome at all. Sebaceous cysts may disappear on their own. Or they may remain in the same place at the same size without causing any problems.

Some cysts are annoying because they rub against clothing. They may be unsightly or may become infected. In these cases they may need to be drained with a small incision. Larger cysts may be removed entirely. The cyst and the sac around it are removed to prevent recurrence.

Oral antibiotics, such as cloxacillin or erythromycin, may be given as part of the treatment for an infected cyst.

Antibiotics can cause rash, stomach upset, or allergic reactions. Surgery to remove a cyst can cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia. There are few complications from sebaceous cysts. An untreated cyst can cause a skin abscess, or infection in the underlying soft tissue. Cysts do tend to recur, even when the sac has been removed. If even a small portion of the sac is left, the cyst can recur.

Sebaceous cysts can be monitored by watching the size of the cyst and noting any redness or swelling that may indicate infection. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Long-Term Effects of Cysts

In most people, sebaceous cysts are benign and cause no problems. But in some people, the cysts can become infected or can rupture, causing swelling and pain. Sebaceous cysts are not contagious and pose no risk to others.

Bartholin Cyst

Other Names : Bartholin Duct Cyst, Bartholin Gland Cyst

The Bartholin glands are located on both sides of the vaginal opening. They secrete fluids that help lubricate the vagina. If the glands are blocked for any reason, a round swelling called a cyst may develop.

Cause of Bartholin Cysts

The Bartholin gland ducts drain the fluid made by the glands. These ducts may become blocked due to infection or chronic inflammation. When a duct is blocked, the gland fills with fluid. This forms a cyst. The cyst can grow from very small to the size of a golf ball. Occasionally, the cyst itself may become infected, and a pocket of pus, called an abscess, develops.

Signs and Symptoms of Bartholin Cysts

The main symptom of this condition is a painless lump on one side of the vaginal opening. In some cases, discomfort while walking, sitting, or having sex may occur. If an abscess forms, the lump may become swollen, red, warm, and tender.

Causes and Risks of Bartholin Cysts The main causes of this condition include:

• previous or current infection in the vagina
• previous surgery or injury in the vaginal area
• cancer, but this is rare and usually only occurs in women over age 40

In many cases, the cause is unknown. Several different bacteria may cause a Bartholin abscess.

Long-term effects of Bartholin Cysts

A Bartholin Cyst doesn't normally cause any long-term effects and often causes no symptoms. If a Bartholin abscess develops and goes untreated, it can lead to a serious infection of the bloodstream known as sepsis. If cancer is the cause of this condition, death may occur if the condition goes untreated for too long. There are no risks to others since this condition is not catching.

Prevent of Bartholin Cysts

It is hard to prevent this condition. Practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, which sometimes lead to this condition. Using good personal hygiene can help to prevent an abscess. After having a bowel movement, a woman should always wipe from the front to the back to prevent bacteria that live in the bowels from getting into the vagina.