Are sebaceous cysts prone to recurrence?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that occur due to an over-secretion of local sebaceous glands mixed with bacterial infection. Generally, they can appear on any part of the skin. Although benign, if left untreated, they tend to grow larger. Typically, surgical removal is curative if the cyst sac is completely excised, with recurrence usually due to incomplete removal of the cyst sac or new flare-ups at other sites due to inflammation and infection. Once the condition is adequately treated, it is crucial to adopt a standardized diet and lifestyle habits. Try to avoid greasy and spicy foods, enhance physical exercise, sweat more, and avoid bathing or swimming in public pools, as well as keeping pets.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Are sebaceous cysts hard?

Most sebaceous cysts feel slightly soft to the touch and are not particularly hard. If a particularly hard lump appears in the area, it may be swollen lymph nodes, not necessarily a sebaceous cyst. If such an unidentified lump appears, it is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital so that the doctor can examine it and diagnose what it actually is. If it is a sebaceous cyst, it is best to have a minor surgery as soon as possible to completely remove the material and the sac. If the lymph nodes feel particularly hard, temporary treatment with anti-inflammatory medication can be administered orally, and if they cannot be completely removed, surgical intervention may be necessary. Therefore, sebaceous cysts are not very hard and feel relatively soft; always confirm the diagnosis before treatment.

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Dermatology
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Can sebaceous cysts heal by themselves?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin due to the overactive secretion of the sebaceous glands themselves. They contain a tofu-dregs-like substance encased in a sac, which means that conventional oral and topical medications cannot eliminate it, hence, there is no self-healing. Once a sebaceous cyst is discovered, it is crucial to visit a dermatologist at a reputable hospital to have a minor surgery performed for complete removal, which is the only way to thoroughly address the issue. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid staying up late, manage anxiety, exercise regularly, bathe frequently, and limit having small animals at home, as well as to regularly sun and disinfect clothes, bedding, and covers.

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Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

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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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.)

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Written by Liu Gang
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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.