Difference between Cysts & other Skin Abnormalities
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Cysts are closed pockets of flesh covered with fluid, or fluid-like material; as there are many different types of cyst, its exact appearance is dependent on what area of your body the cyst is located. Generally, however, cysts develop under the skin and protrude. They are relatively movable when compared to other skin abnormalities. Cysts can be exactly the same colour as your skin normally, or it can be red and sore-looking; more so if it becomes infected and inflames as a consequence.
By contrast, skin tags are small protruding bits of skin that often grow in the groin area, the armpits, the neck and the eyelids. They are often very soft and can hang of the skin quite loosely. They are also very unlikely to become inflamed as a result of irritation. They cannot spread and present no real problem other than possibly an aesthetic one. They can be very easily removed with surgical scissors.
Skin lesions differ from cysts too. Lesions are areas of skin that have seen surface growth develop and often do not resemble the skin surrounding the lesion. Furthermore, they are often present at birth, but can be as a result of acne, allergic reactions, sunburn or warts. Lesion is a term used interchangeably with birthmarks or moles. Secondary lesions can also develop, mostly as a result of scratching or picking of the original lesion.
Moles are a type of skin lesion (usually quite dark-coloured) which grows on the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body. Moles can be present in childhood, but it is not irregular for them to surface in later life; between ten to forty moles could well develop through adulthood. Moles tend to change progressively through the years: they can change colour, develop more hair, or become more elevated on the skin. Unlike the incision method used to remove cysts, moles are dealt with by shaving the mole down to skin level.
