Why does what's squeezed out look like a pimple and smell bad?
The white substance that the patient squeezed out. It's not pus and it's not acne. Okay, but it is. Keratin mixes with sebum (fat). These are produced and accumulate under the skin over time. This accumulation is what causes the growth of a specific group of bacteria, which produces a strong, foul odor similar to rancid butter or rotten cheese.
Doctors warn! Why you should absolutely "never squeeze [the area yourself]".
I understand that when there's a hole and a raised bump, many patients can't resist squeezing it. But I strongly advise against it! Squeezing will only release some of the keratin, but... The "cyst envelope" (balloon) is still embedded under the skin.
Even more dangerous is that squeezing can cause the cyst under the skin to rupture, triggering the immune system to destroy it, leading to… Severe inflammation, swelling, redness, pain, and secondary bacterial infection. Yes, it is. Moreover, even after squeezing it out, the fat will soon accumulate back in the same sac, causing... "It keeps recurring endlessly." Yes
What is the correct treatment method?
The only way to cure it completely is... Visiting a doctor for "minor surgery" (excision). Yes, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic, make a small incision, and then carefully remove the affected area. "Extract all of the cyst completely." Without causing the cyst to rupture, the wound is then sutured closed neatly. With this procedure, the cyst will be completely gone and will not bother the patient again in the same spot.
Comparison table of Epidermoid Cyst and Sebaceous Cyst?
| หัวข้อ | Epidermoid Cyst | Sebaceous Cyst |
|---|---|---|
| ต้นกำเนิด | It originates from epidermal cells (outer layer of skin) that shed and grow beneath the skin. | It is caused by a blockage in the sebaceous gland or its duct. |
| What's inside | Keratin: It is cloudy white, thick like cheese, and often has a rancid smell. | Sebum: It has the appearance of a sticky oil or liquid fat. |
| Cyst wall | Lined with normal skin cells. | Lined with sebaceous gland cells. |
| Opening (Punctum) | There is often a small black dot in the center, which is an opening to the skin. | There are usually no clearly visible openings. |
| Location found | Face, neck, chest, back, and genitals. | Scalp, face, ears, and chest. |
| Frequency of encounters | Very common. (This is the most common type among people.) | Much rarer. |
