Incarnated hair cyst: causes, treatments, prevention
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The hair grows from pores, small openings in the skin that secrete sweat and sebum (oil). An embodied hair cyst occurs when dirt or oil blocks a pore, which traps a hair.
This leads to swelling and looks like a small red bump. If it is infected, an embodied capillary cyst can become great and painful growth.
Incarnated hair cysts are often treated at home without medical intervention, but you should see a health care provider for cysts that are infected.
An embodied hair cyst generally appears as a small bump on the skin. This happens when the hair grows in the skin, causing irritation and swelling. The color can be red, pink or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
An embodied hair cyst is generally painless and can feel hard or soft. If it is infected, it can become painful or tender.
There are different types of cysts and their symptoms vary. Types of embodied hair cysts include:
- Razor bumps: Red and raised bumps along the shaved areas of the skin
- Pilonidal cysts:: Small white or yellow bumps generally located at the top of the buttocks
- Epidermoid cysts: Raised bumps on the head, neck, trunk or genitals; They are the surrounding skin color
- Pilar cysts: Round bumps on the scalp which are the same color as the surrounding skin
- Steatocystoma:: Yellow or dark smooth bumps along the arms, trunk or groin
- Eruptive vellus hair cysts: Small smooth bumps on the chest, abdomen, arms or legs; These cysts appear purple on darker tones of skin and red or pink on lighter skin tones
An embodied hair cyst develops when a hair is trapped in the skin. This can happen when the skin of the skin is clogged with dirt or oil. A hair can become embodied when he curls up and regrows in the skin.
Razor bumps
Pseudofolliculite beardAlso known as razor bumps, is a common type of embodied capillary cyst. The razor bumps develop when a hair is stuck in the follicle due to the skin irritation of shaving. The hair curls inside and a cyst forms.
The razor bumps appear as red and raised bumps. They are the most common along the legs, armpits, groin, face and neck.
Pilonidal cysts
Pilonidal cysts occur when a perforated hairstyle and grows in the skin. They usually result from pressure on the skin, such as tight clothes. Pilonidal cysts most often develop at the top of the buttocks and resemble small white or yellow bumps.
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts develop in the upper layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. They occur when the hair follicle grows under the skin, trapping the hair.
Epidermoid cysts are generally linked to an accumulation of keratin, a protein found in the hair follicle. Too much keratin can block the pore and cause a cyst. This type of cyst can also be a sign of Gardner syndrome, a rare and hereditary disorder.
Pilar cysts
Like epidermoid cysts, Pilar cysts develop when keratin accumulates in the hair follicle. Pilar cysts are formed at the bottom of the hair follicle and can be genetic.
Steatocystoma
Steatocytoma is a genetic condition that causes cysts in the sebaceous glands (oil). Some cysts may contain hair follicles due to trapped hair. Although these types of cysts are not classified as embodied hairs, they affect the skin and hair follicles.
Steatocytoma can be linked to a genetic mutation in the KRT17 gene.
Eruptive Véllus hair cysts
Eruptive vellus hair cysts are small cysts that are formed around very fine hairs called Véllus hairs. The exact cause of Véllus’s hair cysts is unknown. Research suggests that they are linked to an anomaly in the hair follicles of Vellus.
Most cases of embodied hair cysts are soft and resolve by themselves. Consult your health care provider if the cyst does not heal or does not start to cause pain. Your supplier can refer to a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
The signs of an infected embodied hair cyst may include:
- Increased redness or discoloration
- PUS or oozing liquid
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Itch
- Foul odor
- Fever
If your cyst has not improved after 1 to 2 weeks, a dermatologist may be able to drain the cyst to help pain and healing. They can also prescribe an antibiotic drug if the cyst is infected. If your cyst is a sign of another health problem, your supplier will refer you to another specialist.
Incarnated hair cysts are treatable and many are resolved by themselves. The objective of treatment is to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. The embodied hair cysts caused by an underlying health will probably not improve until the condition is effectively treated.
To heal the razor bumps, try these steps:
- Stop shaving this area until the cysts solve
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Use a soft moisturizer
- Apply a hot compress to soften the skin
- Never try to burst a cyst, as it could cause an infection
- Consider using an over -the -counter hydrocortisone cream (OTC) to reduce swelling
If the embodied hair cyst does not improve at home, you may need to see your health care provider for treatment.
Prevention of all embodied hair cysts may not be possible, but you can reduce your risk and prevent complications.
Because shaving can cause embodied hair cysts, consider other hair removal methods, such as laser hair removal. If you choose to shave, use only pointed razors, as dulls increase the risk of embodied hair. Always use a soft cream or gel when shaving. Apply a lotion or a non -fragrant body cream after shaving.
Wash your skin with hot (not hot) water using a soft cleaner. Consider using an exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin cells and minimize the risk of clogged pores.
The most common complication of an embodied capillary cyst is infection. A cyst can be infected if bacteria on the skin are trapped in the hair follicle. Skin infection can cause pain, itching, swelling and other symptoms.
Consult your primary health care provider if you think your cyst can be infected. Treatment options are available.
Incarnated hair cysts occur when the hair is trapped in the follicle due to an obstructed pore. Shaving irritation is a common cause of embodied hair cysts.
To treat an embodied hair cyst at home, keep the area clean and dry. Avoid shaving this skin area and using hot compresses if necessary.
Consult your health care provider if you develop signs of infection, such as pus, increased swelling or fever.