A 19-year-old female asked:
If i have a painless cyst (that seems to be an epidermoid cyst, it's on the top layer of skin and is pale-ish skin color) is there any reason to worry? i have anxiety and am incredibly prone to overreacting and panicking about health related issues.
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Can treat anxiety: That is the curse of having health anxiety. Normal bodily sensations and abnormal bodily sensations all are perceived as signs of illness... making it very difficult for either the patient or the doctor to tell when the patient is actually sick (other than suffering the sickness of health anxiety). The patient must teach herself which of her pains, her bumps, her sniffles, etc., are normal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
51 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Health Anxiety: Excellent response by Dr. Kwok. If you have a tiny, assymptomatic lesion - would NOT panick. However, if you have not received some form of treatment for this such as cognitive behavioral therapy - would encourage that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
49 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 24, 2022
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