Attempting to pop a pilar cyst is not advisable. These common skin growths, while harmless, require professional medical attention for safe removal. Understanding their nature and the risks of self-intervention.
Understanding Pilar Cysts
Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cysts, are non-cancerous sacs that form under the skin, primarily on the scalp. These cysts originate from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. They are filled with keratin, a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nail cells. These cells and keratin accumulate, forming a smooth, firm, and often movable lump beneath the skin’s surface.
While pilar cysts can occur anywhere on the body, approximately 90% of them develop on the scalp. They typically appear as flesh-colored, round, or dome-shaped bumps, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Unlike some other types of skin cysts, pilar cysts usually do not have a central pore or “punctum.” They grow slowly and often do not cause pain unless they rupture or become inflamed.
Risks of Self-Extraction
Attempting to pop or squeeze a pilar cyst carries significant risks and is discouraged by medical professionals. The cyst’s thick wall makes it difficult to rupture without causing considerable trauma to the surrounding skin. Even if it appears to rupture, it is highly unlikely the entire cyst sac will be removed.
A primary danger of self-extraction is introducing bacteria, leading to infection. An infected cyst can become painful, red, swollen, and filled with pus. If left untreated, infection can spread to surrounding tissues, known as cellulitis, or potentially enter the bloodstream. Manipulating the cyst can also cause it to rupture internally, triggering a more intense inflammatory response.
Aggressive squeezing or puncturing can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Self-treatment also delays proper medical evaluation, which is important because some skin lumps may be mistaken for cysts but could be more serious conditions. If the cyst wall is not completely removed, the cyst is highly likely to regrow.
Professional Care and Treatment
For pilar cyst concerns, professional medical care is the recommended approach. A healthcare provider, typically a dermatologist, can accurately diagnose the lump through a visual and physical examination. In some instances, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
The definitive treatment for pilar cysts is surgical excision. This minor procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthetic, meaning the area is numbed. The surgeon makes a small incision, carefully removes the entire cyst and its sac, and then closes the incision with sutures.
Surgical removal offers the most effective and permanent solution, minimizing the risk of infection and ensuring proper healing with minimal scarring. While some cysts may not require immediate removal, medical consultation is important if a cyst becomes painful, infected, rapidly grows, or causes discomfort.