Objective: To determine whether inflamed and uninflamed epidermoid cysts differ in the number and/or type of bacteria inhabiting them.
Design: A controlled study. We obtained aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture specimens from 25 inflamed and 25 uninflamed epidermoid cysts.
Setting: A university medical center.
Patients: Nonimmunocompromised adults without recent systemic use of antibiotics.
Results: The 2 groups did not differ significantly with respect to number of bacterial isolates, "no growth" cultures, and aerobic, anaerobic, or potential pathogens cultured.
Conclusions: The microbiological milieu of inflamed epidermoid cysts is similar to that of uninflamed cysts. Possible mechanisms for inflammation are discussed.