Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Sebaceous cysts. These belong to a type of benign proliferation that forms after local skin inflammation and infection, where sebaceous glands cluster in a localized area. Generally, once a cyst has formed, medications alone cannot completely eliminate it. Only when the inflammatory infection is severe, can anti-inflammatory medications provide temporary symptom relief. The definitive treatment plan involves a minor surgery in a formal hospital's dermatology department to completely remove it. Normally, there is no recurrence as long as the cyst sac is completely cleared. After treatment, it is essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and minimize activities like public baths and swimming to reduce the risk of re-infection due to bacteria on the skin surface.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What medicine should be applied for a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin due to the hypersecretion of sebaceous glands. These are also somewhat related to inflammation within the body, forming a sac filled with a tofu-like substance. This condition generally does not respond to oral or topical medications, so there is no need for topical drug treatment. The most common approach is to undergo a minor surgery at a dermatology department in a formal hospital, where the cyst and the substance inside are completely removed, achieving a cure. After recovery, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, refrain from staying up late, and avoid public baths, swimming, and keeping pets at home.

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Dermatology
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Are sebaceous cysts contagious?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations on the skin surface due to vigorous secretion of the sebaceous glands or local bacterial infections. This disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through contact. However, if left untreated, the condition may worsen over time, potentially increasing in size and leading to pain or rupture. Once diagnosed, it is advised to undergo a minor surgery at a reputable hospital's dermatology department. The cyst and its sac should be completely removed. Generally, the likelihood of recurrence is low. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid public baths and swimming, abstain from spicy foods, avoid staying up late, do not keep pets at home, and frequently sanitize clothing, bedsheets, and covers by exposing them to sunlight.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can a sebaceous cyst be squeezed?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation related to the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. Inside the cyst is a sac containing material that resembles tofu dregs. Generally, if the cyst is small, you can break it open yourself or squeeze it out and clean the inside. However, if the sebaceous cyst is larger than the size of a soybean, it's better not to attempt to squeeze or pick it open on your own, as it may not be thoroughly cleaned and could lead to re-infection. If this condition arises, it's best to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital. After diagnosis by a doctor, the appropriate treatment, usually surgery, can be determined. After recovery, it's important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and not to stay up late.

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Dermatology
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Will a sebaceous cyst go away on its own?

Once a sebaceous cyst forms, it will not disappear on its own. It will slowly grow larger, may cause pain, and could rupture, leading to secondary infections. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to have a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a formal hospital to completely remove it. This condition can recur, so after treatment, it is important to regulate diet and lifestyle. Avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy, or sweet foods. Try to avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress. Do not use public baths or swimming pools. Regularly exercise, bathe more often, avoid keeping small pets, and ensure that clothing, bedsheets, and duvet covers are sun-dried and disinfected.

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Written by Liu Gang
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How to treat sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin in areas where the sebaceous glands are particularly active. They contain a sac filled with a substance that resembles tofu dregs. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the contents of the cyst. After recovery, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from drinking alcohol and eating hot peppers, try not to stay up late, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming pools. This condition has a tendency to recur, but forming good life habits after recovery can greatly reduce the recurrence rate. Additionally, oral medications that reduce sebum secretion may be taken, and frequent bathing with sulfur soap can help reduce bacterial infections on the skin surface. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)