Cyst vs. Pimple: The Differences & When to Get it Removed

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Confused about whether you have a cyst or a pimple? Contact St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery today to find out.

That painful, swollen bump under your skinโ€ฆ is it just a pimple, or something more?

At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most common concerns patients bring to us is a mysterious bump that wonโ€™t go away. Many assume itโ€™s a stubborn pimple, but in reality, it may be aย cyst that requires medical attention.

cyst v pimple
Very pleasant and thorough!i highly recommend STL dermatology!!
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Great experience, thorough exam, explained everything as she went. Will be back next year.
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Great experience! Professional staff and Doc took her time to answer my questions.
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Dr. Beal is very good and patient. He answers all your questions and is an excellent doctor. His staff is all very helpful.
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Everyone is very nice courteous and professional
Dr Beal gets you in and out He goes the extra mile to explain everything to you Awesome facility
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Everyone was very friendly and professional, making my first visit a pleasant experience.
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Very detailed and informative. Love the new location
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Was seen today was great experience. Staff was very helpful and addressed all my concerns.
Response from the owner:We are thrilled to learn that you had a positive experience with us!
Dr. Beale is amazing to work with! He is kind, knowledgeable, and really listens to his patients. It is the first time Iโ€™ve ever felt comfortable with a dermatologist. He listened to my concerns and built a treatment plan tailored to me and my skinโ€™s needs. I will never go anywhere else!
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What is a Pimple?

Pimples are a type of acne lesion caused by clogged pores filled with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They can appear as:

  • Whiteheads: clogged pores under the skin
  • Blackheads: open clogged pores
  • Papules/Pustules: inflamed or pus-filled bumps
  • Nodules/Cystic acne: deep, painful acne (not to be confused with true cysts)

Pimples often respond to topical treatments, facials, or prescription medications, and usually resolve within days to weeks.

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a closed sac beneath the skin filled with fluid, keratin, or other material. The most common skin cysts include:

  • Epidermoid cysts (commonly misnamed โ€œsebaceous cystsโ€) arise from hair follicles
  • Pilar cysts: usually on the scalp
  • Sebaceous cysts (less common): come from sebaceous glands

Unlike pimples, cysts do not come to a head and donโ€™t go away on their own. They can remain for months or years and may:

  • Grow in size over time
  • Become painful or inflamed
  • Leak foul-smelling fluid if ruptured
  • Get infected

How to Tell If It’s a Cyst or a Pimple

FeaturePimpleCyst
SizeSmall to mediumMedium to large
TextureSoft, raisedFirm or rubbery, dome-shaped
DurationDays to 2 weeksWeeks to years if untreated
PainTender, especially cystic acneCan be painless or deeply tender
LocationFace, back, chestAnywhere (neck, scalp, trunk, genitals)
DrainageMay pop and release pusMay ooze thick, foul-smelling material if ruptured
TreatmentSkincare, antibioticsOften requires surgical removal

If youโ€™ve had a bump that hasnโ€™t gone away after a few weeks or keeps coming back in the same spot, itโ€™s likely a cyst, not a pimple.

When Should You See a Dermatologist

You should book an appointment at SLD in Troy, MO if:

  • The bump is growing or painful
  • Itโ€™s been present for more than 4 weeks
  • It keeps recurring in the same area
  • It drains fluid or becomes red and inflamed
  • Youโ€™re unsure whether itโ€™s a cyst, pimple, or something more serious
Brandon-Beal

How Are Cysts Removed?

At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, cyst removal is typically performed in-office using a quick and minimally invasive procedure:

  • Local anesthesia is used to numb the area
  • A small incision is made to remove the entire cyst sac (not just drain it)
  • The site is closed with sutures or a bandage
  • Most patients return to work the same day

Removing the entire cyst wall is critical to prevent regrowth. DIY popping or squeezing can lead to infection, scarring, and recurrence.

FAQ: Cyst vs. Pimple

Why Choose SLD for Cyst Evaluation & Removal?

Our board-certified providers serve patients from Troy, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, St. Charles, and Lincoln County with compassionate, medically sound care.

Whether your concern is aesthetic, uncomfortable, or medically necessary, weโ€™ll evaluate your condition and recommend the best path forward. We treat both insured and cosmetic cases, depending on the nature and diagnosis of the cyst.

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