A Cyst, A Blackhead, & a Dilated Pore of Winer!!

An epidermoid cyst (Epidermal Inclusion cyst, Infundibular cyst), is a benign growth commonly found in the skin and typically appears on the face, neck or trunk, but can occur anywhere on the body. Another name used is “sebacous cyst” but this is actually an antiquated misnomer, and is not a term used by dermatologists. They are also the most common type of cutaneous cysts. Epidermoid cysts result from the reproduction of epidermal cells within a confined space of the dermis. The pasty contents are mostly composed of macerated keratin (wet skin cells), which creates this “cheesy” consistency, and there can be a pungent odor. An epidermoid cyst may have no symptoms and are typically harmless. Usually people seek removal because they don’t like the appearance of these bumps, or the cyst has ruptured or been inflamed or “infected” in the past. Rupture is associated with sudden redness, pain, swelling, and local heat, and can lead to abscess formation. Also, a history of inflammation, often increases scar tissue in the area, makes the cyst more firmly adherent to surrounding skin, and makes it more difficult to remove. Surgical excision is curative, but the complete cyst removal including the entire cyst sac and contents need to be removed to ensure that the cyst won’t reoccur.

A blackhead is also called an open comedo (single for comedone), and it is a clogged pore in the skin that is open to the air. Keratin (skin protein) and sebum (oil) combine to block the pore. They are often found on the face and trunk. but they can be found anywhere on the body. Blackheads are not clogged with dirt, but it is the exposure to air that causes oxidation turning the internal contents black. They can be extracted using a comedone extractor. I usually use an 11 blade (a blade that comes to a sharp point) and a Shaumberg type comedone extractor.

A Dilated pore of Winer is essentially a large, solitary open comedone/blackhead. Dead skin cells get trapped and help widen this pore, and plugs up the opening. The expression of this plug squeezes out the macerated, white, soggy keratin/skin cells from the deeper portion of the pore. Once the content of the dilated pore is expressed, this whole process of the dilated pore filling once again with keratin is common. They are completely benign and are usually expressed for cosmetic reasons. A comedone extractor can be used to do this.

To buy your own Official Dr. Pimple Popper Comedone Extractor, click here:

http://www.drpimplepopper.com/shop

To learn more about my skincare line - SLMD Skincare - click here:

www.sldmskincare.com

Subscribe to my Dermatology educational channel, Dr Pimple Popper University! Link is here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaD01Jb_ruxsAcVqVmTHzQ

For more content, exclusive content, and of course to get more Dr. Pimple Popper schwag, visit us at www.drpimplepopper.com!

Instagram:
@DrPimplePopper for 24/7 pops
@DrSandraLee for my work, my life, my pops

Facebook: facebook.com/DrPimplePopper

Twitter: @SandraLeeMD

Snapchat: drpimplepopper

Periscope: Dr. Sandra Lee

You can watch my TV appearances here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOixDRVQAsKe4STSuWU8U0Q

This video may contain dermatologic surgical and/or procedural content. The content seen in this video is provided only for medical education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.