This image displays a hard, skin-colored cyst on the scalp.
This image displays a hard, skin-colored cyst on the scalp.
A pilar cyst is a benign cyst that must be surgically removed.
A pilar cyst is a benign cyst that must be surgically removed.
Pilar cysts originate from the hair pore; they are very firm to hard.
Pilar cysts originate from the hair pore; they are very firm to hard.
This image displays a cyst on the neck that has ruptured and started to swell.
This image displays a cyst on the neck that has ruptured and started to swell.

Images of Pilar Cyst (4)

This image displays a hard, skin-colored cyst on the scalp.
A pilar cyst is a benign cyst that must be surgically removed.
Pilar cysts originate from the hair pore; they are very firm to hard.
This image displays a cyst on the neck that has ruptured and started to swell.

Pilar Cyst

Pilar cysts, sometimes referred to as trichilemmal cysts or wens, are common growths that form from hair follicles; they are most often found on the scalp. Pilar cysts are smooth and mobile, meaning they can be moved slightly under the skin. They are filled with keratin (a protein component found in hair, nails, and skin). They are usually painless but can be tender. There may be one or a few pilar cysts. Very rarely, pilar cysts can become cancerous.

Who's At Risk?

  • Pilar cysts affect about 5%-10% of the population.
  • Pilar cysts occur most commonly in middle-aged women.
  • Pilar cysts may run in families.

Signs & Symptoms

Pilar cysts are usually found on the scalp. They appear as smooth, movable, skin-colored nodules (solid, raised bumps that are firm to the touch) under the skin. There can be more than one in an area, and they can become quite large. Occasionally, they are tender to the touch.

Pilar cysts may rupture on their own or if injured, usually causing intense irritation.

Self-Care Guidelines

No self-care is necessary.

Treatments

Your medical professional may:

  • Cut into (incise) and drain the keratin and other material inside the cyst.
  • Surgically remove (excise) the cyst.
  • Prescribe oral antibiotics if the cyst becomes infected (a rare occurrence).
  • Perform a biopsy if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Visit Urgency

See your medical professional for an evaluation if you notice any growth you are unsure of or if a known pilar cyst becomes painful, there are signs of infection (eg, oozing, inflammation), or if you would like it removed for cosmetic reasons.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Last modified on August 18th, 2023 at 3:17 pm

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