There are several types of cysts, with epidermoid cysts (also known as epidermal inclusion cysts) being among the most common.
An epidermal cyst presents as a white, yellow, or skin-colored lesion, usually occurring on the face, neck, or back. It may have a punctum. These cysts can develop due to injury or blockage of the hair follicle. These are lined by squamous epithelium and filled with keratin.
Treatment
Skin cysts are usually harmless and do not require treatment. However, if a cyst is large or needs to be removed for cosmetic reasons, surgical removal is an option. It’s important to remove the entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence.
30. Skin tags
Skin tags are non-cancerous lesions that may appear in the skin folds. They are soft with smooth surfaces attached to the skin with a fine stalk. They are usually skin-colored or slightly darker than skin.
They are commonly seen on the neck, eyelids, armpits, groin, under the breast, and genitalia.
Cause
It is thought that skin tags may occur due to frequent skin irritation or a normal aging process. Some risk factors for developing skin tags are genetics, rubbing of the skin, being overweight, hormonal changes, or diabetes.
Treatment
Skin tags are harmless and usually do not require treatment. If needed, they can be removed by freezing, ligation to cut off blood supply, shaving, or cutting it off with sterile surgical instruments.
31. Warts
Warts are small raised skin lesions that are usually skin-colored. The different types of warts are:
- Common warts
- Flat warts
- Filiform warts
- Plantar warts
- Genital warts
- Periungual warts
Cause
These are caused by a virus called HPV or human papillomavirus. Warts are contagious and the virus usually spreads by sexual contact.
However, skin-to-skin contact can also lead to warts. It can also be acquired by contaminated surfaces or sharing common things like towels.
Any type of skin barrier impairment or injury can make one more prone to warts (like shaving, or cutting, or chronic skin conditions like eczema).
Treatment
There are several over-the-counter topicals that contain salicylic acid and can be used for warts. However, be careful when using them on your face or areas with sensitive skin.
In addition, if you are not sure that you have warts, it’s best to check with a doctor, as many other skin growths including cancer can be mistaken for warts.
If over-the-counter treatment options don’t work, your doctor can remove them by freezing, curettage, excision, or lasers.
32. Skin cancer
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