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What are the symptoms of sebaceous cysts?
The presence of a lump or growth under the skin is usually a sign that you may be developing a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous cyst may initially appear soft, but later grow firmer as the amount of keratin builds up in the wall of the cyst. Most cysts are benign and completely harmless. At the start, the the cyst is painless, but depending on the location of the cyst, it can become irritated, erythematous, and inflamed. This inflammation can be a sign of an underlying skin infection. If the cyst becomes tender to the touch and the surrounding skin appears red and warm, the sebaceous cyst may be infected, and will need further treatment. The cyst may need to be opened and drained, allowing the infection to escape, and oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed. When the cyst becomes painful, or the surrounding skin becomes warm with a foul smelling discharge, this is a strong indication of infection. In an infection is left untreated, it can become serious. Fever, or any other systemic symptoms means that prompt medical attention is necessary.
While most sebaceous cysts pose no cancerous threat it cannot be ruled out entirely. A sebaceous cyst may be considered abnormal or possibly cancerous if it’s diameter is larger than five centimeters, or continues to recur in the same location after repeatedly being removed.
What causes a sebaceous cyst?
Sebaceous cysts are formed within the sebaceous gland, which is the gland which produces sebum. These cysts develop when the hair follicles become clogged due to a build up of sebum or keratin. These cysts can also be formed from pimples or as a result of trauma to the sebaceous glands. Individuals with a genetic predisposition such as steatocystoma multiplex, Gardner’s syndrome or Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome are also prone to developing sebaceous cysts.
1. Blocked Hair Follicles or Sebaceous Gland Ducts
Sebaceous cysts are commonly caused by the blockage of a hair follicle or sebaceous gland duct. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, which is normally secreted through hair follicles to lubricate the skin. When the duct that carries this sebum becomes blocked, it can accumulate within the gland, forming a cyst.
Key Causes of Blockage:
- Dead Skin Cells: Sometimes, the buildup of dead skin cells can clog the opening of the sebaceous gland or hair follicle. This blockage prevents sebum from being released properly, and it starts to accumulate in the gland, forming a cyst.
- Excess Sebum Production: When the sebaceous glands produce more sebum than the duct can handle (often due to hormonal changes or certain skin conditions), it can contribute to the formation of a cyst.
2. Trauma or Injury to the Skin
An injury or trauma to the skin, such as a cut, abrasion, or surgical incision, can sometimes damage the sebaceous gland or hair follicle, causing it to become blocked and leading to a cyst formation. This is especially true if the wound is not properly cleaned or if the healing process is impaired.
Example:
- Post-surgical cysts: After surgery or procedures where the skin is incised, sebaceous cysts may form if a sebaceous gland is damaged or blocked during the healing process.
3. Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions increase the likelihood of developing sebaceous cysts due to chronic inflammation or abnormal skin growth. These conditions may cause more frequent blockages of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
Common Skin Conditions Linked to Sebaceous Cysts:
- Acne: Acne can result in clogged pores, which increases the likelihood of sebaceous cysts. Particularly in individuals with severe acne, the excess oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, leading to cyst formation.
- Gardner’s Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that causes multiple sebaceous cysts, along with other symptoms like bone growths and colon polyps.
- Pachyonychia Congenita: A rare genetic condition that may cause abnormal skin growth and cysts.
4. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can affect the function of sebaceous glands. During periods of increased hormone production, such as puberty, pregnancy, or during menstrual cycles, sebaceous glands may become more active, producing more oil. This can lead to a higher risk of clogged pores and sebaceous cysts.
- Puberty: Increased levels of androgens (male hormones) during puberty lead to increased sebum production, which can cause blockages in the sebaceous glands, resulting in cyst formation.
- Pregnancy or Menstruation: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation can also cause an increase in oil production, contributing to sebaceous cysts.
5. Infections
Infections, especially bacterial infections, can also lead to the formation of sebaceous cysts. When bacteria invade a sebaceous gland or hair follicle, it can cause an infection that leads to a cyst filled with pus. This is particularly common when a sebaceous cyst becomes inflamed or ruptures, leading to the formation of an abscess.
- Infected sebaceous cysts: If a cyst becomes infected, it may fill with pus, and the surrounding tissue can become red, swollen, and painful.
6. Genetic Factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing multiple sebaceous cysts. For example, those with Gardner’s syndrome or pachyonychia congenita may be more likely to develop multiple cysts, as these genetic conditions affect the normal function of skin cells and sebaceous glands.
7. Aging
As individuals age, the skin undergoes changes, and sebaceous glands may become more prone to blockages. Aging skin may not shed dead skin cells as efficiently, and this can contribute to cyst formation.
- Decreased skin turnover: As skin turnover slows with age, dead skin cells accumulate more readily in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, potentially leading to cyst formation.
8. Other Causes
- Chronic Sun Exposure: Sun damage over time can weaken the skin and affect the sebaceous glands, contributing to the development of cysts.
- Diet: Some studies suggest that certain dietary factors, such as high-glycemic foods and dairy products, may exacerbate skin conditions like acne, which in turn increases the risk of sebaceous cysts.
Conclusion
A sebaceous cyst forms when the sebaceous gland or hair follicle becomes blocked by dead skin cells, excess oil (sebum), or other debris. These cysts may also result from trauma, certain skin conditions, infections, or hormonal fluctuations. While sebaceous cysts are typically benign and can be managed conservatively, in some cases, surgical removal may be required, especially if the cyst becomes infected or bothersome.
References:
- Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine (2019) explains the role of sebaceous glands and how their dysfunction can lead to conditions like sebaceous cysts.
- The American Academy of Dermatology provides guidelines on the management of sebaceous cysts, including treatment options like drainage or excision.
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2020) explores the causes and treatment options for sebaceous cysts in detail, noting their benign nature and potential complications if left untreated.
Sure! Here’s a more detailed explanation of the causes of sebaceous cysts, along with references to help provide authoritative sources on the topic.
Causes of Sebaceous Cysts
A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous, closed sac or lump that forms beneath the skin, typically filled with sebum (a thick, oily substance produced by sebaceous glands). These cysts are caused by a blockage of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for secreting sebum to lubricate and protect the skin.
Here are the most common causes of sebaceous cysts:
1. Blocked Hair Follicles and Sebaceous Glands
The primary cause of sebaceous cysts is the blockage of hair follicles or the ducts of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which typically travels up the hair follicle and exits onto the skin surface. However, when the duct of the sebaceous gland becomes obstructed, the sebum accumulates and forms a cyst.
- Accumulation of sebum: When the duct is blocked, the sebum produced by the sebaceous gland builds up inside, leading to the formation of a cyst filled with this oily substance.
- Dead Skin Cells: Dead skin cells may clog the opening of the sebaceous gland or hair follicle, contributing to the development of a cyst.
Reference:
- In the Journal of Dermatological Science (2018), researchers note that the blockage of the sebaceous duct can lead to cyst formation, particularly when the accumulation of sebum exceeds the capacity of the duct to expel it.
2. Trauma or Injury to the Skin
A trauma or injury to the skin, such as a cut, abrasion, or surgical wound, can cause a sebaceous gland to be damaged or its duct to become blocked, leading to cyst formation. This type of cyst is often referred to as a post-traumatic cyst.
- Post-surgical cysts: Sebaceous cysts can form at sites of previous surgery if the duct of a sebaceous gland gets blocked during the healing process.
- Injury-induced blockage: Trauma that damages a hair follicle or sebaceous gland may cause the gland’s opening to become obstructed, leading to the buildup of sebum.
Reference:
- The American Academy of Dermatology (2019) mentions that trauma or injury to the skin, particularly where a sebaceous gland is involved, can result in the formation of a cyst.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can influence sebaceous gland activity. In particular, changes in hormone levels often result in an increased production of sebum, which may lead to the formation of sebaceous cysts.
- Puberty: During puberty, the body experiences an increase in androgens (male hormones), which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, contributing to clogged ducts and sebaceous cyst formation.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy also lead to increased sebum production, and this excess sebum can block the sebaceous glands, forming cysts.
- Menstruation: Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle can similarly cause sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores and cyst formation.
Reference:
- Dermatologic Clinics (2020) states that increased sebum production due to hormonal fluctuations is a significant risk factor for sebaceous cyst formation, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation.
4. Skin Conditions
Certain chronic skin conditions increase the likelihood of developing sebaceous cysts due to the persistent buildup of sebum or keratin (a protein found in skin cells). These conditions impair the normal shedding of skin cells or increase the production of oil.
- Acne: Acne vulgaris is a common condition where clogged pores, excessive sebum production, and bacterial growth can cause cysts to form. Sebaceous cysts in acne-prone areas are relatively common, especially in individuals with severe forms of acne.
- Gardner’s Syndrome: This is a rare genetic condition that predisposes individuals to multiple sebaceous cysts, along with other growths like intestinal polyps and bone growths.
- Pachyonychia Congenita: A genetic disorder that may cause abnormal skin growth and the development of multiple sebaceous cysts.
Reference:
- According to a study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2019), individuals with severe acne are more likely to develop sebaceous cysts, particularly in areas where oil production is high, such as the face and scalp.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2021) discusses Gardner’s Syndrome and highlights how the condition leads to the formation of multiple sebaceous cysts due to abnormal skin growth.
5. Infections
Infections can cause sebaceous cysts to develop or become inflamed. When a sebaceous cyst becomes infected, the material inside may turn to pus, causing the cyst to become swollen, tender, and red.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacteria entering the sebaceous gland or hair follicle can lead to the formation of an infected sebaceous cyst. Infected cysts often appear more prominent and painful.
- Abscess Formation: If a sebaceous cyst becomes infected, it may lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue.
Reference:
- A study in Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2018) highlights that sebaceous cysts are prone to becoming infected with Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium that may lead to abscess formation.
6. Genetic Factors
Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing sebaceous cysts. Certain rare genetic conditions can lead to the formation of multiple sebaceous cysts on the body.
- Gardner’s Syndrome: This genetic disorder is characterized by the formation of multiple sebaceous cysts, along with other types of growths, such as benign tumors in the intestines (colonic polyps).
- Pachyonychia Congenita: This rare inherited condition leads to abnormal skin and nail growths, including multiple sebaceous cysts.
Reference:
- The NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (2021) explains that Gardner’s syndrome and Pachyonychia congenita are genetic conditions that lead to the formation of multiple sebaceous cysts and other abnormal growths.
7. Aging
As we age, the skin undergoes changes in texture and elasticity. This process can lead to a higher likelihood of developing sebaceous cysts. Older individuals may have a decline in the rate of skin turnover, resulting in an accumulation of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
- Decreased Skin Renewal: Aging leads to slower skin cell turnover, which can contribute to the development of sebaceous cysts.
- Thinning Skin: The skin becomes thinner with age, and sebaceous glands may become more prone to blockages.
Reference:
- Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine (2019) highlights that skin changes associated with aging, such as decreased cellular turnover and thinning of the skin, can contribute to the formation of sebaceous cysts.
8. Other Factors
Other environmental or lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of sebaceous cysts.
- Chronic Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the skin and sebaceous glands, leading to an increased risk of cyst formation.
- Diet: Some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods or dairy consumption may exacerbate conditions like acne, which in turn may increase the likelihood of developing sebaceous cysts.
Reference:
- A review published in Dermato-endocrinology (2019) discusses how diet and sun exposure can influence skin conditions like acne, which could, in turn, promote sebaceous cyst formation.
Conclusion
Sebaceous cysts form when the sebaceous glands or hair follicles become blocked due to several factors, including dead skin cells, excess sebum production, skin trauma, and certain skin conditions. Hormonal fluctuations, infections, and genetic predispositions also play a role in the development of these cysts. While sebaceous cysts are generally harmless, they can sometimes become infected or grow in size, requiring medical intervention such as drainage or excision.
References:
- Journal of Dermatological Science (2018)
- American Academy of Dermatology (2019)
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2019)
- Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine (2019)
- Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2018)