If you notice a lump or bump on the skin you may be wondering what it is. Could it be a sebaceous cyst? There are hundreds of cysts that can develop on the skin, and it’s more common for someone to be dealing with an epidermoid cyst or a cyst that originates in the hair follicles rather than a true sebaceous cyst; however, if you are dealing with a new growth or lump on the skin you may want to turn to your dermatologist to find out if it could be a sebaceous cyst.

 

Your body is covered in sebaceous glands, which produce oil known as sebum that covers the hair and skin. If a gland’s duct becomes damaged or block, a sebaceous cyst can form (most often the result of trauma).

Sebaceous cysts are often painless, fluid-filled noncancerous bumps that most often develop on the neck, face, or back. They are not dangerous and they are typically slow growing; however, it is possible for them to grow large enough or to develop in an uncomfortable area of the body, particularly if they aren’t being monitored by a dermatologist.

 

It can be difficult to pinpoint the differences between a sebaceous cyst and other types of cysts, which is why it’s a good idea to turn to a dermatologist for an evaluation. Some signs that it’s a sebaceous cyst include:

It’s also important to recognize the signs of an infected sebaceous cyst such as redness, tenderness, soreness, or drainage. If you notice any of these symptoms you must turn to your skincare provider to treat the infected cyst.

 

If the cyst isn’t infected then treatment is rarely required; however, depending on the size and location of the cyst, and whether it’s uncomfortable, your dermatologist may recommend surgically removing it.

 

Any new lump or growth that doesn’t go away warrants visiting a dermatologist for an evaluation. If you notice any of the signs above that could indicate an infection, you must call your dermatologist right away.

We understand that dealing with the scars left behind by teenage acne can be upsetting and even embarrassing. We also understand how much it may impact not just your appearance but also your self-esteem; fortunately, a dermatologist is going to be the best doctor to turn to for safe, effective treatment. Not only will a dermatologist be able to help you better manage your current acne breakouts but also provide solutions to reduce and even eliminate the appearance of acne scars.

While there isn’t one treatment that may work best for you (everyone’s skin responds differently to various treatments), a dermatologist can talk to you about multiple ways to improve the appearance of your acne scars. The type of treatment and the results you’ll get will depend on your skin type as well as the severity of your scarring. While no one treatment will get rid of your scars completely, these treatments below (alone or in combination with other treatment options) may provide you with the results you’ll looking for.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

It’s important that everyone apply sunscreen every day to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but this is particularly important if you have acne scars. This is a simple habit to adopt that can reduce the contrast between the scars and your skin tone.

Consider Dermal Fillers

While most people think of dermal fillers as a purely cosmetic treatment designed to plump up areas of the skin that have lost volume due to age, dermal fillers can also plump up scarred skin to reduce the appearance of indentations left by these scars. Of course, results are only temporary, so you will need to turn to your dermatologist for follow-up treatments in order to maintain results.

Get Laser Resurfacing

Another popular treatment option that a dermatologist can offer you is laser resurfacing. Laser technology has come a long way, particularly in the field of dermatology. The powerful lasers used can treat everything from sagging skin and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. This same treatment can also reduce the appearance of acne and other superficial scars. This is a great alternative to dermabrasion, which is a better option for those with more severe acne scars as well as those with darker skin.

Consider Microneedling

Another popular cosmetic treatment, microneedling helps to stimulate collagen production to keep the skin firm and supple. It may also be a simple but effective way to improve the appearance of scars. Since results are subtle, you may need to undergo several treatments to see the results you want.

If you are living with acne scars and want to speak with a dermatologist about your treatment options, then call one today to schedule a consultation.