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Skin lumps on the back are common, but when they become swollen, painful, and start draining unusual material, they may indicate a serious infection. The image above shows a large, inflamed lesion on the upper back with visible swelling and drainage — a presentation often associated with an infected cyst or abscess.
Understanding how these conditions develop and when to seek medical care is critical for preventing complications.
What Is a Skin Cyst?A skin cyst is a closed sac beneath the skin that may contain:
Keratin
Fluid
Pus
Dead skin cells
The most common type is an epidermoid cyst, which forms when skin cells grow inward instead of shedding normally.
Cysts typically:
Grow slowly
Feel round and firm
Are usually painless at first
May have a small central opening
However, when infected, they can change dramatically.
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