"pimple" on my shoulder blade

I do not have acne but have a persistent "pimple" that rarely comes to a head but every 6 months or so is painful requiring me to lance it and puss like material comes out. The skin immediately around it is discolored (blue). I have had it for 10 years. Is it something I should see a doctor about?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like a sebaceous cyst. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a cheesy looking substance called keratin. 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 on how you are doing. Kind regards.