Have you noticed some abnormal growth in your skin? It refers to the benign bump, which appears beneath your skin. Cysts or benign lumps are painless conditions. They can move and grow slowly under a slight amount of pressure. However, cysts are of different types- sebaceous and pilonidal cysts. So, should you consult a pilonidal cyst doctor or some other specialists? It is essential to understand the difference between these cysts. The main similarity is that both these cysts cause the risk of getting swollen and infected. The affected part may also become tender.
Know about cysts
Cysts grow slowly and appear as round bumps just beneath your skin. These dome-shaped cysts appear as yellow or white growths as they contain keratin (a type of skin protein with an oily texture).
Skin cysts or epidermoid cysts develop due to improper shedding of epidermal cells. They are wayward cells that move to deeper layers of skin. However, they multiply over time and turn into a sac that causes active secretion of keratin. With accumulated keratin in this sac, it becomes a yellowish, thick paste. So, this paste leads to an expansion of the cyst that may ooze out in some cases.
Some cysts arise from different cells, like pilar cysts. These cysts contain keratin and other substances. Moreover, you may notice small plugs in many cysts. Cysts are mainly-
- Skin-colored, yellowish, or white
- Dome-shaped or symmetrical
- Non-invasive
- Small and painless
- Pliant and tender
For most types of cysts, hair follicles may emerge on your body. Cysts can also be found on the neck, face, and torso.
What are pilonidal cysts?
The doctor for pilonidal cyst diagnoses the condition by identifying whether there is a round tissue sac at the buttock’s cleft. This cyst mainly affects the parts near your anus and tailbone. It contains air or fluid and is caused by a type of skin infection.
A pilonidal cyst is a chronic or acute problem that may occur repeatedly. However, it always needs proper treatment. Some doctors also recommend surgery to remove pilonidal cyst. But, this cyst does not always cause pain, and if you do not treat the part, it will grow larger.
What are sebaceous cysts?
Many people mistakenly think of sebaceous cysts as ordinary cysts. However, these cysts are rare and originate from sebaceous glands responsible for lubricating your hair and skin. In most cases, they are harmless and painless. But, in due course, they get infected when they become larger. As these cysts do not go away naturally, you must consult a doctor.
Should you contact a sebaceous cyst or pilonidal cyst doctor?
It is not always easy to distinguish the type of cysts. So, if you have noticed any cyst symptoms, you should contact your sebaceous or pilonidal cyst doctor.