Scalp Cyst

What is a scalp cyst? Do you feel something weird and bumpy on your head? What you're really feeling may possibly be a cyst on your scalp. Actually, the most common types of cysts that grow in the hairy portions of the body would be sebaceous cyst (or pilar cyst).

 

A sebaceous cyst is an enclosed sac that is filled with oil or cheesy like material. Usually, this is accompanied by a smelly scalp because of the keratin that is present inside the cyst. This keratin is actually a protein which is responsible for the formation of sac of cells. The lumps or bumps that you are feeling in your scalp are actually these sacs of cells.

 

Often times, these sebaceous cysts are results of swollen follicles of the hair in your scalp. If these sebaceous cysts are left untreated, it can result in hair loss in the area where the cyst is. Usually, you wouldn’t easily notice the sebaceous cyst on your scalp because it is small and not painful. However, we are fond of fixing or styling our hair, we would begin to feel the cyst once our comb or brush bumps on it or when we are shampooing.  They can sometimes be hard and/or fatty.

 

When these cysts on scalp become infected, it can be painful. The area of the scalp where the cyst is can become red, tender, sore, warm, and painful. These are the typical signs of infection.

 

Once infection occurs, it is important for you to seek help in order to prevent aggravating the condition. In the case the skin becomes damaged you might see pus with a bad odor which can be emitted by the infected skin.  This can be very embarrassing especially if it becomes noticeable.

 

Women with a scalp cyst are often embarrassed with their condition because it can also cause some baldness on the area where it’s located. This can contribute to a decreased self esteem because women have high regard when it comes to physical appearance.

 

Once a sebaceous cyst has developed in your scalp, you should try not to pop or squeeze it. You should keep the area clean in order to prevent infection. For treatment, apply a warm compress on the area with the sebaceous cyst.

 

 If you will try to squeeze or drain the cyst, it will just increase the risk of infection, so you will need to consult a specialist in case surgical removal is required. Overall, to prevent the development of scalp cyst, you need to employ proper care and hygiene to your scalp.