If a bump appears on the skin, it is usually suspected to be a pimple or acne. If you try to squeeze it with your hand but it doesn't come out easily, it's better not to touch it further and visit a dermatologist. It could be an 'epidermal cyst' rather than a pimple or acne.

 

Epidermal cysts are a type of benign tumor that develop in the skin. When hair follicles become blocked, epidermal cells move deeper into the dermis and grow, forming a tumor sac made up of epidermal cells.

 

If small, it is about 1 to 5 cm in diameter, but it can grow larger than 10 cm. Many people confuse it with a benign tumor called 'lipoma,' which is formed by fatty tissue clumping together, but epidermal cysts are firmer than lipomas. They can appear not only on the face but also on the ears, chest, back, sides, and groin. Initially, they are just hard lumps without any particular pain, but if infected by bacteria, they can become red and painful.

Epidermal cysts should not be squeezed with your hands. Inside an epidermal cyst, there is a large amount of keratin, which is harder than sebum found in acne. Additionally, the opening connecting the cyst to the outside of the skin is narrow, making it difficult to squeeze effectively. Forcibly squeezing with your hands may cause the cyst to rupture within the skin, leading to internal damage and prolonging the recovery period. If the cyst adheres to surrounding tissues, it may not be completely removed even with surgery. There is also a risk of infection developing in the wound.

 

If the condition is not severe, it will naturally decrease in size or the inflammation will subside on its own. Taking antibiotics can also reduce the size. If inflammation continues to worsen despite medication, a partial anesthesia incision surgery may be necessary. Most wounds heal within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. After surgery, care must be taken to prevent water from entering the incision site. If washing is unavoidable, wash and then immediately dry the surgical area. Waterproof bandages are not recommended as they can increase the risk of bacterial infection. Be cautious, as epidermal cysts may recur if fatigue accumulates or if stress is severe, leading to weakened immunity.

 

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Acne is better concealed with something rather than just covering it up.

It's much better for the air to circulate.

 

And in our daily lives

Because touching various things is "hands."

 

The habit of constantly touching your face

They say it can actually become poison.