Small hole in face

[charizard]

Hi, I am a 20 year old man. About a year ago I discovered a lump underneath my skin, it's in my left sideburn, and there is a very small hole on top of it. Being a lump, I then went to a mirror and squeezed it. A lot of white, odor-filled discharge came out. Since then, I continue to try and clean it by squeezing until nothing comes out and then put rubbing alcohol on it, but more always seems to come back. Does anyone know what this is? And if so, how do you get rid of it? Thank you.

[charizard]

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms can be due to a sebaceous cyst. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance called keratin. They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected, Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.