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Digital Mucous Cyst

This patient information and photographs of Digital Mucous Cysts are provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

What is it?    Digital mucous cysts are cysts that grow near the end of the finger between the nail and first joint. They are skin color to pink and appear rubbery and translucent. If it is opened a cell jelly like material leaks out. Digital mucous cysts are more commonly found in middle-aged to elderly women.

What causes it?    Why a person grows this cyst in unknown. Some believe that the cysts may have been started by previous minor trauma to the area.

Is it dangerous?    For the typical healthy person, digital mucous cysts are harmless. It is not a cancer or related to cancer. With time they may cause the nail plate to become deformed and in some cases they may be painful.

Can it be cured?    There are several treatment options but recurrences are common.

Will it spread?    No, digital mucous cysts stays localized to the fingers, and less commonly to the toes.

Is it contagious?    Digital Mucous Cysts are not contagious and you cannot "catch them" from anyone.

Last modified: 10/19/08