Question 1

what are the differences between a pimple and a cyst in your skin?

Accepted Answer

See below: A pimple is an infected hair follicle.  A cyst, which may start out in a hair follicle, is a sac which usually contains a cheesy material called sebum.

Question 2

i have a very large cyst or pimple i'm not sure what it, it'sunder the skin but i popped it using a needle, is there anything i can do now

Accepted Answer

Infection: You need to watch for signs of any reddness or pain. Popping anything yourself with a needle can be dangerous. Suggest you see a doctor if you notice anything occuring at the site

Question 3

i have a pimple on my cheekbone which doesnt go away, no matter what. it was usual pimple for years but now its under the skin. is it a cyst?

Accepted Answer

Could be: Go to doctor for exam. May need to be opened and drained. So get checked out

Question 4

i have what i think started out as a pimple or black head on my back but now has turned into a large boil or cyst which has an aye loke on a pimple?

Accepted Answer

You probably need: a direct visual examination since if it has developed into folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicle, with pus formation, or even an abscess, then it will need more serious antibiotics and/or drainage.  If it is simply a large boil and needs evacuation of the pus inside, then squeeze it out and use bacitracin on top to see if it would improve.  Sometimes this helps.

Question 5

i have seriously bad skin at the moment, and they don't seem to be all pimples, one looks like a small cyst almost, it's been there over a week. i'm washing my face 2x times a day plus a spot cream 2x a day. it's not even forming like a pimple?

Accepted Answer

Cystic acne: This isn't too uncommon. Some acne form nodules, they are harder and deeper cysts that can take a long time to resolve. If it gets bigger and you think it might be something other than a kind of zit then you should get it examined. Though I suspect that in time it will go down, tough it might take a few months.

Question 6

i have a lump (not sure if its a pimple) under my skin on my cheek i don't know what do to, is it a cyst?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous Cyst: The most likely thing is a sebaceous cyst which is benign.  It should be evaluated and removed while it is still small.  In this location, i would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon to minimize the appearance of the scar.

Question 7

i have a small pimple/bump (painless) under my chin, it is under the skin and won't go away. is it a cyst?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, likely not: Many small bumps, especially in hair covered areas, can be caused by pimples or ingrown hairs that never reach the surface of the skin. Most of these will go away on their own in a few months.

Question 8

i have a small pimple 2 months ago, i pinched it then it turned harder like a cyst, it doesn't hurt or pain like dead skin, how to get rid of it?

Accepted Answer

See a dermatologist: Sometimes these pimples are actually small cancers- like basal cell or squamous cell cancers, rarely melanoma depending on the type of skin and exposure to sun you have had in your life. The best way  to diagnose a non healing pimple or ulcer is to biopsy with the dermatologist and have an expert pathologist look at it.

Question 9

noticed pea size bump(4days ago)under skin (has no head like a pimple would) it's deep under the skin. doesn't seem like a cyst. it's hard&doesnt move?

Accepted Answer

A lump like this`: really needs to be felt by your PCP (Primary Care Provider) however it sounds like an old inflammed LYMPH NODE (gland) from an old infection! The LOCATION as well as the SIZE and CONSISTANCY are used to determine if it needs to be removed! 
Get it seen!

Hope this helps!
Dr Z

Question 10

i have a very large pimple/cyst on the back of my leg that has grown quite rapidly over the past 3 days, the inflamed area is more than 15cm across with a very small head, what is my best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Get examined: In the short term apply moist heat over the area &amp; it may help it mature &amp; start to drain. However, one this size needs to be opened &amp; drained surgically (possibly in office) or it is unlikely to heal. Temporary improvement may come with some drainage but it will tent to re-accumulate until it is properly opened &amp; the core/rhine removed.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cyst pimple under skin

A member asked:

What are the differences between a pimple and a cyst in your skin?

A member asked:

I have a very large cyst or pimple i'm not sure what it, it'sunder the skin but i popped it using a needle, is there anything i can do now

A member asked:

I have a pimple on my cheekbone which doesnt go away, no matter what. it was usual pimple for years but now its under the skin. is it a cyst?

A member asked:

I have what i think started out as a pimple or black head on my back but now has turned into a large boil or cyst which has an aye loke on a pimple?

A member asked:

I have seriously bad skin at the moment, and they don't seem to be all pimples, one looks like a small cyst almost, it's been there over a week. i'm washing my face 2x times a day plus a spot cream 2x a day. it's not even forming like a pimple?

A member asked:

I have a lump (not sure if its a pimple) under my skin on my cheek i don't know what do to, is it a cyst?

A member asked:

I have a small pimple/bump (painless) under my chin, it is under the skin and won't go away. is it a cyst?

A member asked:

I have a small pimple 2 months ago, i pinched it then it turned harder like a cyst, it doesn't hurt or pain like dead skin, how to get rid of it?

A member asked:

Noticed pea size bump(4days ago)under skin (has no head like a pimple would) it's deep under the skin. doesn't seem like a cyst. it's hard&doesnt move?

A member asked:

I have a very large pimple/cyst on the back of my leg that has grown quite rapidly over the past 3 days, the inflamed area is more than 15cm across with a very small head, what is my best course of action?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?