TL;DR:
- Papules (epidermal cysts): Small, yellowish lumps of sebum, dead cells, and bacteria; typically harmless but cosmetically unwanted; common in areas with high sebum secretion (face, scalp, intimate areas).
- Causes: Excessive keratinization, sebaceous gland blockage, skin damage, hormonal changes (e.g., puberty/pregnancy), UV radiation, improper skincare/cosmetics, and inflammation.
- Types: True cysts (genetic cause, clogged sebaceous glands) vs. pseudocysts (poor hygiene). Accurate diagnosis is important.
- Treatment: Do not self-extract; medical removal methods include surgical excision (preferred), cryosurgery, or laser.
- Malignant risk: Rare, but large cysts can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (requires biopsy).
- Prevention/Maintenance: Proper hygiene, avoiding irritating products, and addressing hormonal changes. Consult a doctor for evaluation and safe removal.
Papules are a common skin problem that affect not only areas on the face, but also on the scalp. Although these small, oily lumps can be a nuisance and affect overall aesthetics, they are usually harmless to health. Nevertheless, for many people they are a significant cosmetic defect, especially if they are visible on more exposed parts of the body. How to cope with skin crusts, what are their causes and methods of prevention?
A blackhead – what is it?
Anecdotomas, or epidermal cysts, are small, yellow or whitish skin lumps. They are most common on the face, especially around the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. They can also appear on the scalp or around intimate areas, especially in areas where there is abundant sebum secretion. Eyelid cough or behind the ear, are also common locations for these epidermal lesions. They take various cutaneous forms, ranging from nodules, cysts and even scars. Epidermolysis bullosa develops slowly and can reach a diameter of several centimeters only after many years. Their increased appearance is observed during puberty, especially in young men. While some coughs can develop spontaneously, there is also a risk that they can become infected, which in turn increases the risk of complications. Achomas are usually soft to the touch and inside contain a mixture of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. They appear singly or in groups and are aesthetically troublesome, especially when seen on more exposed areas of the skin. These skin lesions usually do not produce painful symptoms, while in some cases they can be dangerous to your health. If you observe a skin lesion such as a chancre, consult your doctor, who will carefully evaluate the lesion and suggest treatment strategies. This is especially true if the pudding has changed color or shape and causes palpable discomfort/pain during daily activities, such as wearing underwear, physical activity or sexual intercourse. A facial or scalp pudding is often irritated, such as when removing makeup or combing hair, and can also cause uncomfortable sensations and increase the risk of infection.
Causes of the formation of blackheads
While the most common causes of blackheads are skin damage, excessive keratinization of the epidermis or infection, the clear cause is not fully understood. Although there is a genetic propensity for their occurrence, they are more common in men than in women. As a result of their formation, the tubules leading out of the sebaceous glands become clogged. For this reason, the most common localization of the skin puddles is around the hair follicles, where they take the form of a thick paste or skin-colored pimple. Other factors that can lead to the development of cougars include:
- use of inappropriate cosmetics, rich in oils and silicones with sebaceous gland-clogging properties,
- improper skin care,
- frequent exposure to UV radiation,
- frequent mechanical trauma, such as abrasions to the epidermis,
- inflammation of the hair follicles,
- puberty (increased sebaceous gland activity).
Real versus pseudopseudopseudoma
Achomas can be classified as either true or pseudopseudomas, depending on their characteristics and causes of formation. Genuine pudding is a genetic form of pudding that is caused by excessive clogging of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The result is an accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria, forming characteristic papules. Usually the lesions are benign, but they look unsightly and are often associated with discomfort. Pseudomembranes are most often caused by improper personal hygiene, resulting in the plugging of the sebaceous gland. The difference between a true and pseudopseudopseudomas can be important in terms of treatment, so an accurate and precise medical diagnosis is important. What's more, a blackhead can be mistaken for other skin lesions, such as an adipoma, prosoma or abscess.
Removal of blackheads
It is not advisable to squeeze out the blackheads yourself, at home, where there is an increased risk of infection and contamination. Depending on the size, location and presence of a possible infection of the skin lesion, there are different methods of removing the puddles. Lesions up to 1 cm in size, which are uncomplicated in nature, most often do not resolve on their own, and therefore require medical consultation. The optimal and final choice in such a situation is excision of the lesion. This is carried out by making an incision in the skin with a scalpel, and then excising the contents of the cyst along with the capsule. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and is relatively short. After excision, the cyst leaves only a small scar. The patient usually does not need to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time. Other options for the removal of achomas include cryosurgery, electrocoagulation and laser removal.
Usually, most of the blackheads are benign in nature. Sometimes, however, it can develop from it a dangerous proliferating hair tumor, which transforms into squamous cell carcinoma. An unequivocal diagnosis is obtained by the results of histopathological examination of the removed lesion. Such a pudding is usually more than 5 cm in diameter. Diagnosis of a black pudding is usually based on a physical examination by a doctor. In rare situations, such as when the lesion is large and located in a hard-to-reach area, imaging tests such as ultrasonography (ultrasound) or computed tomography (CT) may be considered. These tests will confirm the diagnosis of a chiasm and help decide on the appropriate surgical procedure.
Hormonal Aneurysm and risk of rupture
A hormonal cyst is a type of cyst with fluid that most often appears on the face – especially around the eyes. The main cause is a malfunction in the skin's sebaceous glands, which is often due to hormonal changes. Although hormonal blackheads usually do not pose a health risk, they can be unsightly and in some cases may rupture. A ruptured acidity can be painful and often leads to the development of inflammation. Therefore, it is crucial to effectively remove the blackheads. It's important to maintain proper skin hygiene and avoid irritating chemicals around the blackhead. In case of rupture, antiseptics and consultation with a doctor are recommended. People with overactive sebaceous glands, especially during puberty or pregnancy, are more susceptible to the development of a hormonal blackhead. In addition, there is a greater risk of developing this type of lesion in people with a genetic predisposition or those taking certain hormonal medications. A black pudding on the head or face is a common dermatological problem that requires consultation with a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Adequate removal of achomas by aesthetic medicine methods and maintenance of proper skin hygiene are key to maintaining the health and aesthetics of the skin of the entire body.
Conclusion
Papules may be harmless, but they impact skin aesthetics and comfort. Understanding their causes—like clogged sebaceous glands or hormonal changes—helps prevent recurrence. For treatment, resist DIY interventions to avoid infections and scars. Trust medical solutions such as surgical removal, cryosurgery, or laser therapy for safe results. If a lesion changes in size, color, or causes discomfort, consult a doctor immediately. Prioritizing professional care and proper skin hygiene ensures healthier, more confident skin.
