Epidermal inclusion cyst is a sack formed under the skin, filled with keratinous debris. It is also called as atheroma. Epidermoid cyst is a similar lesion which has pathological similarities. These occur on the skin in any part of the body, and are more common around the ears and behind the neck.  Squeezing out the contents would cause inflammation. Patients are suggested to see us before trying to do so.

The management of epidermal inclusion cyst include excision under local anesthesia, incision and drainage under local anesthesia, subcutaneous steroid injection, and oral antibiotics. Commonly, the controlling the inflammation is prioritized before excision.

There are other benign tumors with similar appearance to epidermal inclusion cyst, and lipoma, hemangioma, and dermatofibroma are more common among all. It is impossible to make a definite diagnosis only by observation, and biopsy or excision is needed for the pathological evaluation.