When something on our body worries us, it helps to hold on to hope. Many problems that look frightening at first turn out to be common and very treatable.
This photo shows a firm, red, rounded lump on the upper back over the shoulder blade, with a small whitish point near its center and redness spreading into the skin around it.
It is most likely an inflamed epidermoid cyst. The upper back is one of the most common places for these cysts because the skin there has many oil glands and follicles.
A cyst starts when the opening of a follicle gets blocked. Skin cells and keratin keep collecting under the surface inside a thin sac, and the bump slowly grows.
Once it becomes irritated, it can swell, feel warm and tender, and make it uncomfortable to lean back or carry a bag on that shoulder.
A doctor will examine the lump, check how deep it sits and how sore it is, and decide whether it needs to be drained or removed.
Professionals numb the area first, make a small opening, drain the contents and, when possible, take out the whole sac so the cyst is less likely to return.
After treatment the wound is cleaned and covered. Keeping the dressing clean and dry and following the doctor’s advice helps the skin settle down.
Showering after sweating, wearing loose, breathable tops and leaving bumps alone instead of squeezing them all help prevent new cysts on the back.
Hold on to hope and let the experts help. The videos below show cysts on the back and shoulder being treated by professionals.
