Types of skin cysts
The most common is the epidermoid cyst, often called a sebaceous cyst. It often has a small dark pore at the center and can appear on the face, neck, back or chest. Pilar cysts are similar and usually found on the scalp.
Symptoms
- A round, firm or rubbery bump under the skin
- A central pore or blackhead
- A foul-smelling discharge if it ruptures
- Redness, swelling and pain if it becomes inflamed or infected
Talk with Dr. Arsenous about your options.
When to remove a cyst
Removal is recommended for cysts that are repeatedly inflamed, growing, in a place where they rub on clothing, or bothersome in appearance. Squeezing a cyst at home can push the contents into the surrounding skin and cause painful inflammation, so it is best avoided.
If a cyst becomes red, hot, very painful or you develop a fever, it may be infected. Call the office. An infected cyst is usually drained first and removed after it settles.
How cyst removal is done
Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made over the cyst. The cyst is removed intact with its wall, which is the part that causes it to come back if left behind. The skin is closed with stitches, and the tissue may be sent for laboratory analysis.
When a cyst is actively infected, it is usually opened and drained first. See abscess drainage. Complete removal is scheduled after the inflammation has resolved.
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities right away. Keep the site clean and follow your wound-care instructions. Stitches are removed in one to two weeks if they are not dissolvable.