Some results take time, and the only thing we can do is trust the process. Healing the skin is one of those slow but steady journeys.
A lump on the shoulder can sit quietly for years before it suddenly becomes red and sore. Many people only notice it when a bag strap or a seat belt starts to rub against it.
The shoulder and upper back have thick skin with many oil glands, which makes them one of the most common places for epidermoid cysts.
Inside the cyst is keratin, a soft material made by the lining of the sac. Because it cannot escape, the cyst slowly grows larger with every passing month.
Once a cyst becomes inflamed, it can be painful just to move the arm. At this point a visit to the doctor is the safest choice.
