Pilar cysts are a common skin concern. Many seek information on treatment options for pilar cysts, including specialized shampoos. Understanding what these cysts are and how they are typically addressed medically can help clarify the role, if any, of topical products. This article explores the scientific basis behind claims that certain shampoos can treat pilar cysts.
Understanding Pilar Cysts
Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cysts, are benign growths that typically form on the scalp. They originate from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle and commonly present as smooth, skin-colored lumps beneath the skin’s surface. These cysts are filled with keratin, a protein found in hair and nails, which often appears as a thick substance. While generally harmless and often painless, pilar cysts can sometimes grow large, become irritated, or cause discomfort. Their formation is often linked to genetic factors.
Standard Approaches to Pilar Cysts
Medical professionals primarily treat pilar cysts through surgical excision. This method involves complete removal of the cyst and its sac to prevent recurrence, making it the most effective approach. Other approaches, such as simple incision and drainage, may provide temporary relief by emptying the cyst’s contents, but they do not remove the cyst wall, allowing the cyst to return. For infected or inflamed cysts, antibiotics may be prescribed, but these treat the infection, not the cyst itself.
Examining Shampoo Claims
Despite the availability of shampoos marketed for pilar cysts, there is no scientific or medical evidence to support that these topical products can resolve or shrink pilar cysts. Pilar cysts are encapsulated growths beneath the skin, and their structure, which includes a sac filled with keratin, cannot be penetrated or dissolved by external applications like shampoos. Shampoos containing ingredients such as tea tree oil or salicylic acid are often promoted for cyst treatment. Tea tree oil possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that might help with scalp hygiene or reduce irritation if a cyst becomes inflamed. Salicylic acid is known for its exfoliating properties, helping to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged hair follicles.
While these ingredients can contribute to overall scalp health and may alleviate some superficial symptoms like itching or inflammation, they do not address the underlying cyst structure. The claims that such shampoos can “dry up fluid” or “slough away dead skin” from a pilar cyst itself are not supported by the biological nature of these growths. There are no clinical studies demonstrating that shampoos or other topical treatments can eliminate pilar cysts or prevent their formation.
When to Consult a Professional
Consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, if you notice any new lumps or bumps on your skin, including those suspected to be pilar cysts. A medical evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis, as other skin conditions can resemble pilar cysts. Seeking professional advice is important if a cyst changes in size, becomes painful, inflamed, red, or shows signs of infection like discharge or warmth. These symptoms suggest a need for medical intervention, which might include drainage or surgical removal.