Pilar cysts are sometimes calledsebaceousorepidermoidcysts, but there are differences between them.
About 10% of the population has a pilar cyst.
They are benign (noncancerous) and very rarely become malignant (cancerous).
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Pilar cysts contain materials made up of keratin.
The contents resemble white toothpaste.
What Is Keratin?
Keratin is a protein that makes up, and helps maintain, hair, skin, and nails.
Pilar cyst nodules measure about 0.2 inches to 2 inches in diameter.
There may be multiple cysts present or just one.
They aren’t typically painful but may cause pain if they areinflamed.
In contrast, the lining of a pilar cyst consists of cells like those in hair roots.
Other differences include:
Why Do Pilar Cysts Form?
Pilar cysts form when there is a buildup of keratin in the skin pore.
Do Pilar Cysts Always Need to Be Removed?
Unless they are causing problems, pilar cysts do not need to be removed.
They are not dangerous.
If they aren’t bothering you, leaving them be is OK.
Doing so can lead to the development or spread of infection.
If you want to “deflate” your cyst, see aqualified healthcare professionalto have it drained or removed.
Medicareor private insurance may cover the removal cost if it is deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
Costs vary, ranging from the low hundreds to the low thousands.
get in touch with the surgery provider and your insurance carrier for an exact cost estimate.
Acne causes lesions such as:
Do Pilar Cysts Come Back?
Pilar cysts that resolve on their own tend to recur.
Surgical removal of the entire cyst decreases the likelihood that the cyst will return.
Summary
Pilar cysts are keratin-filledbumpsthat usually form on the scalp.
They originate from the outer hair root sheath.
Pilar cysts form when keratin builds up in a blocked skin pore.
They can develop spontaneously or be inherited from a parent.
Pilar cysts do not need to be removed unless they are causing problems.
They may resolve on their own.
Surgical removal of the entire cyst is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of the cyst returning.
Never pop or drain a cyst on your own.
Always see a healthcare provider.
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