Causes and risk factors
Epidermoid cysts are made up of fat and protein called as keratin. They can be caused as a result of blockage of hair follicle, damage to hair follicle, ruptured sebaceous gland, developmental defect, Gardner’s syndrome. Skin injury, acne are the predisposing factors for development of the epidermoid cyst.
Clinical presentation
Small painless lump under the skin, usually white or yellow in colour. It ranges from few millimetres to about 5cm. An overlying pore or punctum is characteristic. There can be extrusion of foul smelling cheesy material when squeezed laterally. It can be painful if it gets infected. Epidermal cysts favour face and trunk.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the dermatologist helps in diagnosis. A routine blood test may be required to check for infection.
Treatment
Most epidermoid cyst does not require any treatment since they are harmless. Treatment includes surgical excision of the entire cyst, surgical draining of the content and removal of the cyst wall. Steroid injection may be required to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics to prevent infection after the surgical excision are required.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating epidermoid cyst. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating epidermoid cyst.
