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 skin… 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 won’t go away. Many assume it’s a stubborn pimple, but in reality, it may be a cyst that requires medical attention.

cyst v pimple
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Jennifer Swoffard and all of the staff are very polite and care about your needs. So glad I found this office.
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My first visit, I went in to have a few different spots looked at their removed them to test while I was the office. Made it very convenient, not to have to schedule another appointment for the biopsy. I received multiple phone calls to schedule my six week follow up, which was today. Everything was handled during biopsy. I would recommend this place to anyone.
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As always the staff and doctor are amazing! They TRULY care about what you are struggling with. Highly recommend them!
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Fantastic!!
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As a farmer, I'm outside exposed to the sun. My family has a history of skin cancer. I have been seeing Jennifer for many years and extremely pleased with her knowledge and honesty.
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AMAZING! The staff was welcoming and pleasant. Since 2019, numerous doctors prescribed various treatments that never worked. Dr. Swofford not only listened, she made me feel that I was in the right place. In one day, she resolved an ailment that has plagued me since 2019. Great music selection as well (80s)!!!! 😊
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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 “sebaceous cysts”) 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 don’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 you’ve had a bump that hasn’t gone away after a few weeks or keeps coming back in the same spot, it’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
  • It’s been present for more than 4 weeks
  • It keeps recurring in the same area
  • It drains fluid or becomes red and inflamed
  • You’re unsure whether it’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, we’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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