Finding a small lump beneath your skin, whether on your wrist or foot, can be a cause for concern. While it’s natural to feel uneasy, it’s important not to panic. The bump you notice might be a cy st, a common occurrence that’s usually harmless. Let’s take a closer look at what cysts are, when they should be a cause for concern, and the best steps to take if you find one.
A cy st is a small sac or lump that forms under the skin, filled with fluid or a thicker substance. While the term “cy st” may sound alarming, these lumps are often benign and not something to immediately worry about. Cysts can appear in various parts of the body, and they vary in size, but most don’t cause pain or pose any real threat to your health.
The Common Types of Cy sts
Cy sts are categorized based on their location and the substance they contain. The most common types of cysts include:
Skin Cys ts
Sebaceous cysts (or epi dermoid cysts) are typically small, round lumps that form just under the skin. These cys ts are usually harmless, often painless, and tend to be filled with a thick, oily substance. In many cases, seba ceous cysts do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort, become inflamed, or grow in size.
