Our bodies constantly communicate our health status through various signs. Here are eight important cues to pay attention to:
A cyst is a small pocket of tissue often filled with fluid or pus. It can occur due to an injury, infection, or other issues. They’re usually benign but may need treatment for complications.
Cysts can vary in appearance depending on their type and location. Here are 11 types of cysts.
Epidermoid cyst
Epidermoid cysts are small, benign bumps filled with keratin. Kertain is a protein that’s essential in forming your skin, hair, and nails. Epidermoid cysts occur when something blocks hair follicles, and skin cells build up beneath this blockage.
These cysts can look like a skin-colored, tan, or yellowish bump filled with thick material. They typically occur on your face, neck, or torso, but can occur across your body.
In rare cases, epidermoid cysts can be caused by an inherited condition called Gardner syndrome.
Sebaceous cyst
Sebaceous cysts are filled with sebum and are less common than epidermoid cysts. They often form within sebaceous glands, which are part of your skin and hair follicles. Sebaceous glands make oil for your skin and hair.
These cysts most commonly occur on your face, neck, or torso, and are often the result of damage to sebaceous glands.
Breast cyst
Benign cysts can develop when fluid collects near your breast glands. They can cause pain or tenderness in the affected area.
While breast cysts are noncancerous, there are many possible other more serious causes for a lump in your breast. It’s important to be familiar with how your breasts typically feel so you’re aware of changes. This way, you’re more likely to notice changes right away.
You should try to make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:
- you discover a new lump
- an area of your breast is noticeably different than the rest
- a lump changes or grows larger
- you notice unexpected discharge from the nipple
- you have an inverted nipple, and it wasn’t always inverted
Ganglion cyst
A ganglion cyst is a round, gel-filled lump of tissue that usually appears along tendons or joints, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. Fluid accumulation can occur due to injury, trauma, or overuse, but often the cause is unknown.
A ganglion cyst is common, harmless, and doesn’t cause pain or difficulties unless it grows and puts pressure on other structures.
Pilonidal cyst
A pilonidal cyst is a common skin condition that forms in the cleft at the top of your buttocks. It consists of a small hole or tunnel in the skin that may become infected and fill with fluid or pus and it typically occurs after puberty.
Changing hormones, hair growth, and friction from clothes or from spending a long time sitting may all cause a pilonidal cyst.
Symptoms of an infection include:
- pain when sitting or standing
- discolored or sore skin around the area
- pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor
- swelling of the cyst
- hair protruding from the lesion
Ovarian cyst
Ovarian cysts often form when the follicle that normally releases an egg doesn’t open. This causes fluid to build up and form a cyst.
Another common type of ovarian cyst occurs after the follicle releases the egg and improperly recloses and collects fluid.
Ovarian cysts occur most often in those of menstrual age and are typically first found during pelvic exams.
Ovarian cysts are associated with an increased risk of cancer when they occur after menopause.
Baker (popliteal) cyst
A Baker cyst is a swollen, fluid-filled sac at the back of your knee.
Causes of Baker cysts include conditions or occurrences that affect the joints such as arthritis, inflammation from repetitive stress, or a cartilage injury. Baker cysts can cause inflammation and pain and lower range of motion in your knee.
Physical therapy, fluid draining, and medication can all be used to help treat a Baker cyst.
Pilar cyst
A pilar cyst is a noncancerous, skin-colored, round bump that develops under the surface of your skin. They usually affect the skin on the scalp and results from protein buildup in a hair follicle.
They’re not cancerous, but they can grow to a size that can be uncomfortable.
Mucous cyst
A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms on your lip or around your mouth when the salivary glands become plugged with mucus. The most common causes of mucous cysts include:
- lip or cheek biting
- lip piercings
- rupture of the salivary gland
- improper dental hygiene
Mucous cysts will often go away on their own. But if you have recurring or frequent mucous cysts, you may need medical treatment.
Branchial cleft cyst
A branchial cleft cyst is a type of developmental irregularity in which a lump develops on one or both sides of your neck or below your collarbone. It occurs during embryonic development when tissues in your neck and collarbone, or branchial cleft, develop differently.
In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn’t dangerous. But it may cause skin irritation, skin infection, or — in very rare adult cases — cancer.
Perineural (Tarlov) cyst
A perineural cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the spine.
Causes are unknown, but it may result from back trauma, including falls, injuries, and heavy exertion.
A perineural cyst can cause pain in your lower back, buttocks, or legs, but this is rare. If you do have symptoms, draining the fluid can help to relieve them.
A pseudocyst shares some of the characteristics of a cyst, but the bump doesn’t have its own lining. Here are three types of pseudocysts.
Folliculitis (ingrown hair cyst)
Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. It’s often the result of a fungal or bacterial infection and can often resemble acne.
These pseudocysts are often seen in people who use hair removal methods like shaving or waxing. Ingrown hair cysts are an example of folliculitis. While ingrown hair cysts are possible, if you have bumps that appear near ingrown hairs, there’s a good chance that they’re actually razor bumps instead.
Razor bumps are also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is a type of pseudofolliculitis. Unlike folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis isn’t usually infectious.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a small, usually painless lump on your eyelids that occurs when the duct of the meibomian gland, an oil gland, is blocked.
These pseudocysts can cause tenderness, blurred vision, and painful swelling. If they get too big, they can cause vision difficulties.
Cystic acne
Cystic acne results from a combination of bacteria, oil, and dead skin clogging the pores. It’s the most severe type of acne, but it usually improves with age.
Cystic acne can look like large, pus-filled boils on the skin. It can also be painful to the touch. If these boils rupture, they can cause scarring.
Cystic acne most commonly occurs on your face, chest, neck, back, and arms.
If you believe you may have cystic acne, a dermatologist can prescribe medications to help treat it.
How to Set Realistic Low Sugar Goals
Making changes to your eating habits can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to reducing sugar.
But with a thoughtful plan and the right mindset, you can create healthy, lasting habits that are easy to stick with.
Here’s how to set realistic low sugar goals that support your well-being—without stress or extremes.
1. Start by Understanding Your Current Intake
Before setting any goals, it helps to know where you’re starting. For a few days, track the foods and drinks you consume and note how much sugar they contain. Pay attention to:
- Sweetened beverages (soda, flavored coffees, energy drinks)
- Packaged snacks and baked goods
- Sauces, dressings, and condiments
This gives you a clear picture of where sugar shows up in your routine and helps you spot easy areas to cut back.
2. Set One Small Goal at a Time
Trying to eliminate all added sugars overnight can be tough. Instead, aim for one achievable change at a time. For example:
- Replace sugary drinks with sparkling water or herbal tea
- Choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruit instead of buying pre-sweetened
- Limit desserts to a few times a week instead of daily
These small steps can add up to big changes over time.
3. Make Your Goals Specific and Measurable
Vague goals like “eat less sugar” are hard to track. Instead, try something more concrete, such as:
- “I will drink water instead of soda five days this week.”
- “I’ll have fruit for dessert three times this week.”
Specific goals help you stay focused and motivated.
4. Plan for Treats, Not Perfection
It’s okay to enjoy a treat now and then. In fact, allowing room for balance can make it easier to stick with your goals. Try a flexible approach:
- Use the 80/20 rule: eat nourishing foods 80% of the time, and enjoy favorites the other 20%
- Plan ahead for special occasions or social events so you can indulge mindfully
5. Check Labels and Learn to Spot Hidden Sugar
Reading labels can be eye-opening. Look out for ingredients like:
- Corn syrup
- Cane juice
- Fructose
- Dextrose These all count as added sugar, even if they sound harmless.
Look for products labeled “no added sugar” or “unsweetened” when available, and compare brands to find options with less sweetness.
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Changing habits takes time. If you slip up, don’t be discouraged—acknowledge how far you’ve come and refocus on your next goal. Even reducing sugar a little each week can improve how you feel. Try journaling your wins, such as:
- “Chose fruit over cookies today”
- “Didn’t crave my usual afternoon soda”
