Atheroma is a harmless cyst containing sebum. It occurs when the duct from the sebaceous gland becomes blocked and the sebum is trapped.
Atheromacan occur anywhere on the body but is most common in areas where hair grows, usually on the scalp of the head. The skin over the atheroma is completely smooth and normal.
On examination, a rounded or oval mark is usually seen that is anchored to the skin but is slightly movable.
The Atheromet feels “springy, elastic” in consistency. Some people can get multiple atheromas for no known reason.
You usually don’t have any problems at all with your atheroma. However, once you get them, they usually don’t go away on their own.
Should an atheroma begin to grow, become infected, tender and red, or should you choose to remove the cyst for other reasons, it is important to remove the entire capsule surrounding the sebaceous contents. Otherwise you can easily get your cyst back again.
The atheroma can be removed under local anaesthetic either with a knife or a laser. It is a relatively easy procedure. It doesn’t work like an abscess or a pimple where you can just open it and squeeze out the contents and it will heal itself.
