Skin cysts are non-cancerous closed pockets or pouches of tissue that are filled with fluid, pus, or other material. They feel like small peas beneath the surface of the skin and usually feel smooth and roll under the skin when pressure is applied to them.

Causes of skin cysts

People who smoke are more prone to the development of large cysts. Cysts are also more likely to become infected in smokers.
We do not know why cysts appear, nor do we know why some persons get many of them. Often we are born with cysts under the skin.
Sometimes, people who have multiple cysts have a family history of this problem.
As a person gets older, sometimes a cyst which was present since birth suddenly gets larger. When this happens, bacteria often get into the cyst and an infection occurs which can resemble a boil.

Treatment of skin cysts

some cysts disappear on their own without treatment.

Others require treatment that involves lancing (piercing with a sharp object) the cyst and draining it.
Some cysts can be treated with an injection of cortisone medication.
Cysts that do not respond to treatment can be removed through surgery.
Small cysts generally do not need treatment, however larger cysts are usually removed because of their size