Introduction: Understanding Common Skin Cysts
Discovering a lump under the skin can be concerning. While most are harmlesss, they can become uncomfortable, inflamed, or infected. Many of these lumps are common benign cysts such as pilar cysts or sebaceous cysts (also called an epidermoid cyst). Although pilar cysts and sebaceous cysts may appear similar at first glance, there are key differences in their appearance, location, and underlying cause, which affect how they are managed and treated.
If you are seeking long-term management or treatment for pilar cysts or sebaceous cysts in London, this guide explains how to tell the difference between the two and outlines the treatment options available at the Interface Clinic.
What Is a Pilar Cyst?
A pilar cyst is a smooth, firm, round lump that develops from a hair follicle. It is filled with keratin – the same protein that makes up hair and nails. Pilar cysts most often occur on the scalp and are usually harmless.
They can sometimes run in families, as there is a genetic tendency for them to develop. Pilar cysts are more commonly seen in adults, particularly women, and may vary in size over time.
Key Features of Pilar Cysts:
- Most commonly appear on the scalp
- Firm, smooth and round under the skin
- Often occur as more than one lump rather than a single cyst
- Usually painless, but can become tender of inflamed if irritated
- Do not have a central punctum (small opening) on the surface, which helps distinguish them from other types of cysts
Because of their location, many patients choose to have pilar cysts on the scalp removed for comfort, ease of hygiene, or to prevent irritation.
What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst, also called an epidermoid cyst, forms when an oil gland or hair follicle becomes blocked. This causes a build up of keratin and oily material, called sebum, beneath the skin creating a small, round lump.
They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, chest, and back. They are generally benign and slow growing, and while they are usually painless, they can become red, tender, or inflamed if infected or irritiated.
Key Features of Sebaceous Cysts:
- Can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, chest, and back
- Usually firm, round lumps that are flesh-coloured or slightly yellow
- Often have a small central opening on the surface
- May contain thick, foul-smelling material if squeezed or ruptured
- Can become inflamed, tender, or infected, causing discomfort
Professional sebaceous cyst treatment in London is recommended to ensure safe removal and reduce the risk of infection or recurrence.
Pilar Cyst vs. Sebaceous Cyst: Spotting the Difference
| Pilar Cyst | Sebaceous (Epidermoid) Cyst | |
| Location | Mostly on the scalp | Can appear on the face, neck, back, or torso |
| Origin | Develops from a hair follicle root | Forms from a blocked oil (sebaceous) gland |
| Texture | Firm and smooth | Softer, may contain or release thick, cheesy material |
| Number | Often multiple | Usually single |
| Punctum | Absent | Often has a small central opening |
| Symptoms | Usually painless, can become inflamed | Usually painless, can become inflamed or infected |
Cyst Removal Treatment at the Interface Clinic, London
At our specialist clinic, both pilar cysts on the scalp and sebaceous cysts can be treated with a straightforward minor surgical procedure.
- Consultation – The lump is assessed by a clinician to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.
- Local Anaesthesia – The area is numbed to ensure the procedure is pain-free and comfortable.
- Excision – The cyst and its sac are carefully removed to minimise the chance of recurrence. The procedure takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the cyst’s size and location.
- Aftercare and Recovery- Wound-care instructions are provided. Most sites heal within 1-2 weeks.
At the Interface Clinic, it is standard practice to send the removed cyst for histological analysis by Consultant Histopathologists at UK-accredited laboratories.
Cyst removal is an effective minor surgical procedure. Pilar cysts on the scalp often heal neatly with little visible scarring, and sebaceous cysts on other areas of the body are carefully excised to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Healing Time: Most patients heal within 1-2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the cyst
- Scarring: Scarring is typically minimal due to our advanced surgical techniques and careful wound-closure methods. This applies to all types of cysts removed, with results tailored to ensure the best clinical and cosmetic outcome.
- Aftercare: Keep the area clean and dry, avoid strenuous activity until advised, and follow your clinician’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a pilar cyst on the scalp and a sebaceous cyst is the first step toward receiving the right care. Although both are generally harmless, professional removal helps prevent recurrence or infection. If you are seeking cyst removal in London, consulting a specialist clinic, like the Interface Clinic, ensures safe, effective treatment and proper aftercare.
