Lumps and Bumps Are Not a DIY Project

You find a squishy lump on your back. Or a bump that wasn’t there last month. Maybe it’s tender, maybe it’s not—but it’s definitely suspicious. Naturally, you Google. And before long, you’re three clicks away from a video involving gloves, gauze, and a very brave volunteer.

While these kinds of skin extractions have made their rounds online, let’s be real: your body isn’t a science experiment—and your bathroom is not a dermatology clinic.

Here’s the deal: If you’ve found something under your skin that wasn’t there before, don’t poke, squeeze, or dig. (Yes, even if you’re “pretty sure it’s just a cyst.”) Lumps and bumps found on the body are best left to the professionals—like the board-certified dermatologists at Midwest Dermatology.

So what’s under the surface? Let’s break down two of the most common types of skin lumps we see—and what we can do about them.

Epidermal Cysts

If it feels like a little pea under your skin, it might be an epidermal cyst. These non-cancerous growths form when dead skin cells get trapped beneath the surface instead of shedding like they should. Over time, a sac forms and fills with keratin, pus, or fluid. Sometimes they’re quiet and unbothered. Other times, they grow, itch, ache, or make themselves generally unwelcome.

Tempted to take matters into your own hands? Don’t. Squeezing or trying to remove a cyst at home can cause infection, scarring, and make the problem worse.

Depending on what we see, treatment may include:

• Watch and wait – If the cyst isn’t inflamed or painful, your provider might recommend keeping an eye on it.
• Steroid injection – A small dose of anti-inflammatory medication can shrink the cyst and reduce discomfort. This is usually a short-term fix.
• Incision and drainage – A quick, in-office procedure where your doctor gently drains the cyst’s contents. It’s effective, but cysts may return.
• Minor surgery – For a permanent solution, your dermatologist can excise the entire cyst, including the sac, which helps prevent it from coming back.

Lipomas

If your lump feels soft and doughy, it might be a lipoma—a benign fatty tumor. Lipomas aren’t dangerous and usually don’t hurt, but they can get pretty large and bothersome over time.

Unlike cysts, lipomas don’t usually become inflamed or infected. But if they’re growing, visible under clothing, or just bothering you, our dermatologists can remove them easily with a quick outpatient procedure.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Take a Look

Most skin lumps and bumps aren’t serious. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them—or try to deal with them on your own. If you notice something new, growing, or uncomfortable under your skin, let the team at Midwest Dermatology evaluate it. We’ll give you a proper diagnosis, offer treatment options, and help you avoid unnecessary complications.

Call 402-933-0800 or schedule an appointment online to get it checked out. No squeezing required.