This might sound crazy

[reallyweirdproblem]

Ever since high school (5 years ago) i have notice this weird thing on my arm pit or right above it. It looks like a piercing on flat skin, it has a hole on either side. If i apply pressure and use tweezers I can pull a 1/8 (pure guess) inch of a weird gray strand of something. it is flat-ish and doesn't look natural.the last doc told me i was crazy and that it was nothing??? I have been doing this for years?? Is something wrong?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I would suggest you to get sebaceous cyst ruled out. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance called keratin.They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected,Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Possibly an inclusion dermoid.Nothing to worry but can get it removed.