Courage does not always arrive all at once. Most of the time it grows quietly, one small decision at a time, until we feel ready to face what is in front of us.
This photo shows a large, round swelling on the lower back, just above the waistline, with red skin around it and a small yellowish point near the middle.
A lump like this is most likely an epidermoid cyst. These cysts are common on the back, where the skin is thick and has many hair follicles and oil glands.
They form when a blocked follicle traps skin cells under the surface. The trapped keratin builds up inside a thin sac and the lump slowly gets bigger over months or years.
When a cyst becomes inflamed, it can swell quickly, turn red and feel sore, especially when sitting back in a chair or wearing a tight waistband.
A doctor or nurse will first look at the lump closely and gently feel its size and firmness, to make sure it is a cyst and not something else.
Professionals usually numb the skin, make a small opening, drain the contents and then remove the sac, because a cyst can come back if the sac stays behind.
Afterwards the area is cleaned and covered with a dressing. Keeping it dry, changing the bandage as advised and avoiding tight clothing helps it heal well.
Washing the back regularly, wearing breathable clothes after exercise and never squeezing a lump at home all help lower the chance of new cysts.
Courage grows quietly, and asking for help is part of it. The videos below show cysts on the back being treated by professionals.
