Esthetician's Guide to Cysts

This condition appears in the ASCP SkinPro app

What is a Cyst?

A pocket-like sac or capsule that form in the skin, but also can occur inside the body.

What Should I Know About Cysts?

• These appear as palpable bumps under the surface of the skin.
• If infected, may appear erythemic, warm, ooze yellowish drainage, or have a bad smell. 
• There are three types of cysts: epidermoid cyst, sebaceous cyst, and acne cyst.  

There are three types of skin cysts: epidermoid, sebaceous, and acne. An epidermoid cyst consists of surface epidermal cells that have formed the lining of a pocket deeper in the skin; they fill with keratin secreted by the walls of the cyst. A sebaceous cyst forms inside the sebaceous gland; they are commonly seen on the back, scalp, and neck. As sebum secretions accumulate, these cysts can become large. An acne cyst is an infected follicular lesion in which the follicle has ruptured in the lower dermis. A sac forms and contains debris that can become infected and pustular. Acne cysts may be drained, treated with a corticosteroid injection, or surgically removed. They also can be treated with oral antibiotics. Chronic cystic acne may be treated with isotretinoin (Accutane).

Treatment Considerations for Cysts

• Treatment of cysts is not in an esthetician’s scope of practice and should be referred to a dermatologist for treatment. 
• Medical treatment usually consists of surgical draining and removal of the capsule. If the capsule is not removed, the cyst may recur. 

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