Why That ‘Pimple’ Might Actually Be a Cyst and What You Can Do About It

What’s the Difference Between a Pimple and a Cyst?

While both pimples and cysts can appear as bumps on the skin, they differ in how they form, how deep they go, and how they should be treated.

Feature	Pimple (Acne Lesion)	Cyst (Cystic Lesion)
Depth	Superficial (near the skin surface)	Deep beneath the skin
Appearance	Red or white bump, often with a visible head	Firm, round, sometimes skin-colored bump without a head
Pain Level	Mild to moderate tenderness	Often painful or sore
Duration	Clears in days to a week	Persists for weeks or longer
Treatment	Topical acne products often help	Requires medical evaluation and treatment

⚕️ Common Types of Skin Cysts

Several types of cysts can appear on the face, back, chest, scalp, or other areas of the body. While most are benign (non-cancerous), they can become irritated, inflamed, or infected if untreated.

1. Epidermoid Cysts

• When skin cells become trapped beneath the surface.
• Appear as smooth, firm bumps that may contain a thick, yellowish material.
• Common on the face, neck, and trunk.

2. Sebaceous Cysts

• Develop from blocked sebaceous (oil) glands.
• Typically appear on the face, scalp, or upper body.
• It can become inflamed or infected if the contents leak into surrounding tissue.

3. Pilar (Trichilemmal) Cysts

• Usually found on the scalp.
• Arise from hair follicle cells and tend to be firm and mobile under the skin.

4. Acne Cysts (Cystic Acne)

• Deep, inflamed nodules develop when pores become severely clogged.
• May cause pain and scarring if not treated promptly.
• Often seen on the face, back, and shoulders.

⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Try to Pop or Squeeze a Cyst

It can be tempting to try to “pop” a deep bump under the skin, especially if it feels full or swollen. However, attempting to drain a cyst at home can worsen the situation.

Reasons to Avoid Popping a Cyst:

• Increases infection risk: Pressure can push bacteria deeper into the skin.
• Causes inflammation and scarring: Damaging the surrounding tissue may lead to permanent marks.
• Delays proper treatment: Cysts rarely resolve on their own without professional care.
• May spread infection: Fluid released from a ruptured cyst can cause new breakouts or inflammation nearby.

🚨 When to See a Dermatologist

You should seek evaluation if:

• The bump is painful, swollen, or growing.
• There is redness, drainage, or warmth.
• The lesion keeps coming back after it seems to heal.
• You are unsure whether it’s acne, a cyst, or another type of growth.

🩺 Safe and Effective Treatment Options

At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we offer several medical treatments to remove or reduce cysts and restore healthy skin safely. The right approach depends on the cyst’s type, size, and location.

• 1. Corticosteroid Injections
  • These injections quickly reduce inflammation and swelling, especially for painful acne cysts. They help the bump flatten and heal faster without scarring.
• 2. Incision and Drainage
  • For large or infected cysts, a dermatologist can make a small incision under sterile conditions to safely drain the contents and relieve pressure.
• 3. Surgical Excision
  • If a cyst recurs, complete removal of the cyst wall or sac is often recommended to prevent recurrence.
• 4. Oral or Topical Medications
  • For cystic acne, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin may be prescribed to target inflammation and reduce breakouts.
• 5. Laser or Light-Based Therapies
  • These treatments can help reduce inflammation, minimize scarring, and improve skin tone after cyst removal.