If you have ever felt a cyst, lump, or bump on your body, you aren’t alone. An estimated 50% of people have experienced these common growths at some point in their lives. In this blog, Skin Excellence Clinics explores cysts, lumps, and bumps, providing expert advice on symptoms and treatments.
Everything You Need to Know About Cysts
Are you worried you might have a cyst? Cysts are more common than you think and are usually harmless. We have put together everything you need to know about these fluid-filled lumps for peace of mind.
What are Cysts?
Cysts are sacs filled with fluid or semisolid material that can occur anywhere on the body. They may be small or large and can feel like a pea under the skin. Cysts usually don’t cause pain unless they rupture. Fortunately, cysts are noncancerous and highly common. They can appear anywhere on the skin, are slow-growing, and smooth to touch when they are rolled under the skin.
What Causes Cysts?
Cysts are caused by several things, including clogged pores, infection, and trauma. Cysts can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
How are Cysts Treated?
Cysts usually don’t require treatment and will go away on their own. However, if a cyst is large, painful, or recurring, we may recommend draining it with a needle. In some cases, cysts may need to be removed surgically.
Are Cysts Something to Worry About?
Most cysts are benign (noncancerous). However, in some cases, cysts can be something more serious. If you have a cyst that is growing rapidly, is painful, or has changes in appearance, it’s important to see a specialist to rule out anything serious.
Learning About Lumps & Bumps
Not every lump and bump is worth losing sleep over. Finding a new lump or bump makes most of us worry about the worst, but they aren’t always a cause for concern. Lumps and bumps under the skin are common and most of the time, they are harmless. However, if you are experiencing pain or rapid growth, you need to keep an eye on it.
Before and two months after the removal of a large seborrheic wart
What are the Most Common Lumps and Bumps?
Lumps and bumps come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the common types include:
- Cherry Angiomas – These are small, smooth red bumps that suddenly appear on your skin, ranging from a tiny dot to the size of a pencil’s rubber. People over 40 years of age are prone to cherry angiomas; they are not a health concern and don’t require treatment.
- Dermatofibromas – These are red-brown or purple spots that can appear on the arms and legs. They can feel hard and contain scar tissue but aren’t usually painful or harmful. The cause of dermatofibromas is unknown, however, they can appear after injuries.
- Folliculitis – Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles and appears on the scalp, face, and legs. They look like a rash of small, red bumps or blisters and are common in people who suffer from diabetes and compromised immune systems. Antibiotics and antifungal medicines can help clear up these little lumps and bumps.
- Keloids – Keloids are large bumps that grow beyond an injured area of scar tissue. They aren’t harmful, but they can itch and look unsightly, so many people opt to have them removed.
- Lipomas – Lipomas are soft tissue tumours that develop slowly over time. You may have noticed one or several that feel soft and rubbery, affecting areas such as the trunk and shoulders. They are usually harmless, however, if you have one that grows quickly or is painful, it could be something more serious, so consult with a professional.
- Moles – Everyone has moles. They form in several shapes, sizes, and colours. They are harmless unless you notice the shape, size, or colour changing – this could be an early sign of skin cancer. We recommend skin checks every year if you are prone to moles.
- Papillomas – These are growths that look like warts but are benign tumours that grow in an outward direction. They normally grow within the milk ducts of the breast and around the nipple, but they do not spread, are harmless, and are not aggressive.
- Skin Tags – Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured growths that appear anywhere on the skin, usually where there is a lot of friction. They are benign and noncancerous and can form in the armpits, groin area or neck.
- Warts – These little growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear on the hands and fingers. Warts are rough and unsightly and can spread between people quite easily. They often go away independently, but many people opt to have them removed or treated. If you have warts that itch, are painful, bleed, or appear on your genitals, consult a specialist.
Before and one month after Radio Surgical Mole Removal of a benign intradermal naevus
These are just a few of the most common lumps and bumps, so you’re not alone! Other common causes include tendonitis, swollen lymph nodes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Speak to one of our specialists at Skin Excellence Clinics to voice any concerns you may have. We offer professional skin lumps and bumps removal and mole and skin lesion removals, so contact us today,
We provide the highest quality, safest, non-surgical treatments in the South and Southwest and have been for the past 11 years, so rest assured you can trust us to provide you with peace of mind, advice, and treatments if necessary.
Book your medical consultation today by calling our friendly and professional team on 0800 298 2391. Alternatively, contact us via our website.