A skin cyst usually appears as a round bump under your skin. It may have a dark spot in the center, and it may be warm and tender to the touch. Often, a cyst easily rolls and moves under the skin, and there is some discoloration, usually slightly darker than your normal skin tone. Cysts may be as small as a quarter of an inch in diameter, or they may be as large two inches or more. Some cysts may grow in size over time.
Guidance You Can Trust
Treating acne breakouts and eczema flare-ups can seem pretty straightforward, but when it comes to skin conditions like cysts and lesions, you may feel at a loss.
Cysts are fluid-filled pockets that form under the epidermis, while lesions are any patch of your skin that looks different from the rest. If you are looking for lesion or cyst treatment in Waterloo, Premier Dermatology’s team of experts is prepared to give you the best possible options.
What Causes Cysts and Lesions?
Follicle Blockage
A blocked hair follicle may become inflamed and turn into a cyst.
Injury
An injury that traps old skin cells under the surface may result in a cyst.
Genetics
Moles and birthmarks are lesions that may be present since birth.
Infections
Certain viral and bacterial infections may also cause skin lesions.
Allergic Reaction
Allergens, including bug bites and poison ivy, can cause lesions.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Lesions may be a symptom of some other medical condition.
About Premier Dermatology
As the only practice in the region overseen by a doctor board-certified in both dermatology and Mohs surgery for skin cancer, Premier Dermatology has the expertise necessary to support the health of your skin. Our commitment to exceptional care makes us a leading provider of lesion and cyst treatment in Waterloo, and we can help you by diagnosing and treating any skin abnormalities you may be worried about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cysts are generally not harmful and are often asymptomatic. Often, cysts may not require any treatment at all and just need to be monitored for changes. Occasionally, a cyst may become infected. If it does, contact your dermatologist for treatment guidance. If left untreated, an infected cyst can become painful and dangerous. Although it’s very rare, cysts have developed into skin cancer, so if you notice a cyst is changing or growing, contact your dermatologist.
Yes! If you have a cyst that causes insecurity or negatively affects your quality of life, your skincare provider may recommend getting it removed. Cyst excision is an outpatient surgery that involves removing the capsule—the outer portion of the cyst—which will prevent the cyst from growing back.
Your provider may also recommend draining a cyst if it is inflamed or swollen. This involves making a small incision and draining out the fluid inside, but if the capsule of the cyst is left behind, the cyst will remain.
Premier Dermatology can guide you to the best option for cyst treatment in Waterloo.
You can’t prevent skin cysts completely, but avoiding injury and trauma to your skin may help you avoid developing a cyst. Similarly, treating other skin conditions and having a good skincare routine may help reduce your risk.
A lesion is any patch or spot on your skin that is different from the surrounding skin. This includes acne, sunburn, moles, freckles, skin cancer, cherry angioma, and more. Skin lesions are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary lesions are the original form of the lesion that may arise out of an underlying condition. Secondary lesions evolve from primary lesions as the underlying condition progresses or as a result of a patient’s action like scratching or picking at the lesion.
Treatment of a lesion depends on the type of lesion and underlying cause. For example, acne is most frequently treated with topical cleansers and medication, while skin cancer may require radiation or surgery. Another example would be when a primary lesion requires medication to treat the underlying cause, while a secondary lesion brought about by itching may require topical cream to heal.
A board-certified dermatologist will have the knowledge and experience to diagnose skin lesions and recommend cyst treatment in Waterloo.
Most skin lesions, like acne, freckles, moles, sunburns, etc., are not dangerous. However, skin cancer lesions can be very dangerous if left untreated and should be resolved as soon as possible. If you are concerned about a lesion on your skin, contact Premier Dermatology for expert guidance you can trust.
Many skin lesions can be removed. In cases such as skin cancer, removal is a standard treatment. Other benign lesions, like cherry angioma and skin tags, can be removed if they negatively affect your self-esteem. Many skin lesions can be treated with a combination of medication, topical creams, lotions, and ointments. Some lesions like freckles and moles are just a feature of your skin and don’t require any treatment at all!
Skin lesions like moles and cherry angiomas arise from genetic factors and can’t be prevented. However, you may be able to reduce your risk for other skin lesions by developing good habits. Have a good skincare routine, and avoid skincare products that might clog your pores. Avoid allergens and be careful not to cause damage or injury to your skin. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, wear sunscreen, limit time spent in the sun, and avoid using tanning beds.
Learn More
Cysts and lesions come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and their causes are just as numerous. Successful treatment is going to depend on an accurate diagnosis and a thorough understanding of the factors in play. Some cysts and lesions may require several avenues of treatment to address their complex causes, while other skin abnormalities may not require treatment at all.
At Premier Dermatology, we understand the complexities of skin. When you come in for an appointment for lesion or cyst treatment in Waterloo, we will closely examine your skin and discuss your medical history. Underlying medical conditions may cause or worsen cysts and lesions, so we want to make sure we have the complete picture. We provide the highest standards of care by treating the root causes of cysts and lesions.
When it comes to the appearance of your skin, you are the first, best warning system.
Many lesions are benign and don’t require treatment, but changes to a skin lesion may indicate that something is wrong. Changes in shape, size, or color are often the first warning signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer has high cure rates when it’s caught early, so it’s important to notify your healthcare provider if you see any suspicious changes.
You may need to seek medical advice if you notice new pain or discomfort, or if a skin lesion starts to leak fluid or bleed. Similarly, any open skin that fails to heal may require specialized treatment only available from a qualified healthcare provider. For skincare guidance and treatment you can trust, including lesion and cyst treatment in Waterloo, schedule an appointment with Premier Dermatology.
