Small growth

I have a very tiny pimple-like growth on my back that's been there for a couple of months.  I thought it would go away by itself but instead it has gotten a tiny bit larger.  I can't see it so don't know what it looks like, but it feels as if it has a thin, hard shell or crust on the outer covering.  Does this sound like something common or should this be checked out by a doctor?   Obviously it's not going away by itself.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a sebaceous cyst. 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.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.