Epidermoid Cyst vs Dermatofibroma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Epidermoid Cyst
Dermatofibroma
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
Slow-growing, round, skin-colored lump filled with keratin. Benign but can become painfully infected.
Firm, small brown bump - usually on the legs. Harmless. The dimple sign is its signature feature.
Risk factors
Young to middle-aged adults (most common age group); Male sex (slightly more common); Acne history
Female sex (more common in women); Young to middle-aged adults; Prior minor skin trauma (insect bites, shaving nicks)
Action needed
A cyst that becomes red, painful, swollen, or warm (infection)
A nodule larger than 1-2cm or growing progressively (may be DFSP)

Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cyst. They are slow-growing, round, firm, mobile nodules located in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, filled with keratin (not sebum, despite the common misnomer "sebaceous cyst").

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Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma is a common, harmless, firm nodule that typically appears on the lower legs of women, though it can occur anywhere. It presents as a small (usually under 1cm), firm, slightly raised, brownish bump that feels like a hard lump under the skin.

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Does yours look more like epidermoid cyst?

Quick self-check

Does this look like epidermoid cyst? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a round, firm, mobile lump with a visible central pore or dot?

Has it become red, painful, or started draining?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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