What Are Eruptive Vellus Hair Cysts and How to Treat Them?

TL;DR

Eruptive vellus hair cysts are benign skin lesions that resemble acne but are caused by the blockage of vellus hair follicles, resulting in small, smooth bumps. While they are usually painless and resolve on their own, treatments such as urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid creams can expedite clearance if desired. Unlike acne, these cysts do not lead to scarring.

Transcript

well hey guys the summer months are upon us that means we're likely to be getting hot and sweaty soon and for many people they are prone to breakouts on the chest and other body sites in the summer months now there are a lot of things that look like acne breakouts but are entirely different and in this video we're going to be talking about a skin c... Read More

Key Insights

• 👱 Eruptive vellus hair cysts are often mistaken for acne due to their similar appearance, but they are different in nature.
• 👱 These cysts occur when vellus hair follicles become blocked and dilated, resulting in the formation of small cysts.
• 👶 While eruptive vellus hair cysts are more common in children and teenagers, adults can also develop them.
• 👱 The exact cause of eruptive vellus hair cysts is unknown, but there may be a genetic predisposition.
• 😨 Eruptive vellus hair cysts do not require treatment unless for cosmetic purposes, as they do not scar.
• 😱 Topical creams with keratolytic ingredients, such as urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, can help in clearing the cysts faster.
• 👱 Other skin conditions, such as milia, keratosis pilaris, and molluscum contagiosum, can mimic acne or eruptive vellus hair cysts but are entirely different in nature.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are eruptive vellus hair cysts, and how do they differ from acne?

Eruptive vellus hair cysts are small cysts that result from the blockage and dilation of vellus hair follicles. Unlike acne, these cysts contain vellus hairs and do not cause scarring.

Q: Who is most likely to develop eruptive vellus hair cysts?

While more common in children and teenagers, adults can also develop eruptive vellus hair cysts. The exact cause is unknown, but there may be a genetic predisposition.

Q: How can eruptive vellus hair cysts be diagnosed?

A board-certified dermatologist can typically diagnose eruptive vellus hair cysts based on their appearance and history. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: What treatment options are available for eruptive vellus hair cysts?

Eruptive vellus hair cysts do not require treatment unless for cosmetic purposes. However, topical creams with keratolytic ingredients such as urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can help in exfoliating the skin and clearing the cysts faster.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Eruptive vellus hair cysts are a skin condition that resembles acne breakouts but is different in nature.

• These cysts occur due to the blockage of vellus hair follicles, causing them to dilate and form tiny cysts.

• Although they can be alarming, they are typically painless and do not require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons.