By Davan 
🔍 What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous bump beneath the skin. It’s filled with a thick, oily substance (called sebum) and usually forms when a hair follicle or skin gland gets blocked.
🧬 Causes — How You Get One:
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Blocked sebaceous glands: These glands produce sebum (oil). If the duct that drains oil is blocked, the oil builds up, forming a cyst.
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Skin trauma: Injury or damage to a hair follicle can lead to a cyst forming.
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Acne or oily skin: Can increase the risk of pore blockage.
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Genetics: Some people are more prone to them.
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Ruptured hair follicle: A broken follicle can trap sebum and keratin under the skin.
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Certain conditions: Such as Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome (rare).
📍 Where They Commonly Appear:
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Back
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Neck
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Scalp
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Face
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Chest
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Genitals (less commonly)
Certainly! Here’s a detailed explanation of how sebaceous cysts develop, supported by reputable sources.
🧬 Understanding Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts, often referred to as epidermal inclusion cysts, are non-cancerous lumps beneath the skin. They typically form when the sebaceous glands or hair follicles become blocked, leading to the accumulation of keratin and sebum (skin oil) .
🔍 Causes of Sebaceous Cysts
1. Blocked Sebaceous Glands
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Mechanism: Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair. When the duct of these glands becomes obstructed, sebum accumulates, forming a cyst .
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Contributing Factors:
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Excessive sebum production.
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Dead skin cell buildup.
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Use of heavy skincare products that clog pores .
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2. Skin Trauma or Injury
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Mechanism: Physical damage to the skin, such as cuts, scratches, or surgical wounds, can disrupt the normal function of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, leading to cyst formation .
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Example: A surgical incision that heals improperly may result in a sebaceous cyst.
3. Genetic Factors
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Conditions Associated:
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Gardner syndrome: An inherited disorder characterized by the development of multiple cysts and other growths .
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Basal cell nevus syndrome: A genetic condition leading to the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas and other abnormalities .
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4. Hormonal Changes
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Impact: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or hormone therapy, can increase sebum production, leading to blocked sebaceous glands and cyst formation .
5. Acne and Other Skin Conditions
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Mechanism: Acne vulgaris and other inflammatory skin conditions can cause hair follicle disruption and pore blockages, leading to an increased risk of sebaceous cyst formation .
🧪 Pathophysiology
Sebaceous cysts form when the infundibulum (upper part) of a hair follicle becomes blocked. This blockage traps keratin and other debris beneath the skin, forming a cyst. In cases of acne, the blockage is often due to an overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation and cyst formation .
🧠 Risk Factors
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Age: Most common between ages 20 to 60.
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Gender: More prevalent in men.
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Family History: A family history of sebaceous cysts increases the risk.
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Skin Conditions: Conditions like acne or seborrheic dermatitis can increase the likelihood of cyst formation .
🛡️ Prevention Tips
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Avoid Skin Trauma: Protect the skin from cuts and abrasions.
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Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose skincare products that do not clog pores.
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Maintain Proper Hygiene: Regularly cleanse the skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
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Manage Skin Conditions: Effectively treat conditions like acne to reduce the risk of cyst formation.
Your doctor a cyst by draining it or by surgically removing it. Usually, cysts are removed. This doesn’t mean they’re dangerous — it may be for cosmetic reasons.
Since most cysts aren’t harmful to your health, your doctor will allow you to choose the treatment option that works for you.
It’s important to remember that without surgical removal, your cyst will usually come back. The best treatment to ensure complete removal is surgery. However, some people may decide against surgery because it can cause scarring.
Your doctor may use one of the to remove your cyst:
- Conventional wide excision. This completely removes a cyst but can leave a long scar.
- Minimal excision. A method that causes minimal scarring but carries a risk that the cyst will return.
- Laser with punch biopsy excision. This uses a laser to make a small hole to drain the cyst of its contents (the outer walls of the cyst are removed about a month later).
After your cyst is removed, your doctor may give you an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You should use this until the healing process is complete. You may also be given a scar cream to reduce the appearance of any surgical scars.
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