Ihovauriokysteistä

Ihovauriokysteistä, known in English as epidermal inclusion cysts or epidermoid cysts, are common, benign skin growths. They typically form when surface skin cells migrate inward and multiply, forming a sac-like structure filled with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This keratin accumulation gives the cyst its characteristic cheesy or pasty contents.

These cysts often appear as small, flesh-colored or yellowish bumps on the skin, most commonly on the face, neck, chest, and back. They can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. While generally painless, they can become inflamed or infected, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. If an infection occurs, the cyst may rupture, releasing its contents and potentially causing an abscess.

The exact cause of iho-vauriokystistä is not always clear. They can arise spontaneously or as a result of trauma to the skin, such as a scratch or a blocked hair follicle. They are not contagious and do not typically pose a health risk.

Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination. In most cases, no treatment is necessary unless the cyst is causing discomfort, is cosmetically undesirable, or becomes infected. Treatment options include surgical excision, which involves removing the entire cyst sac to prevent recurrence. Drainage of the contents can provide temporary relief but often leads to the cyst reforming. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cyst is infected.