Can a sebaceous cyst be squeezed?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia, relating to either the vigorous secretion by one's sebaceous glands or the presence of a localized abscess. The most conventional treatment is to visit the dermatology or general surgery department of a formal hospital to perform a minor surgery, where the cyst sac and tofu-dregs-like material are completely removed for a cure. The underlying causes of this condition are numerous, generally associated with personal diet and lifestyle habits. After recovery, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, persistently avoid spicy and irritating food, prevent staying up late and experiencing anxiety, enhance physical exercise, sweat more, bathe more frequently, which all help in preventing a recurrence. Regularly exposing one's clothing, bed sheets, and quilt covers to sunlight, and avoiding public baths and swimming, also contribute to prevention.

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Dermatology
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Can sebaceous cysts be ignored?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that forms in areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are particularly active, containing a tofu-dreg-like substance encased in a cyst. Without treatment, they may gradually increase in size and can become painful or even rupture, leading to bacterial infection. It is generally advisable to seek treatment upon detection of such a condition. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital for a minor surgery to remove both the tofu-dreg-like substance and the cyst, which can be curative. It is also important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, bathe frequently, and exercise regularly to potentially prevent recurrence of the condition.

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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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Is a sebaceous cyst serious?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia and are somewhat related to the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. This condition is generally not serious and mostly mild, with most cysts being relatively small, about the size of a mung bean. They may not require treatment and can be observed over a long period. If they gradually increase in size and cause pain, it is best to undergo a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital to completely remove them. Alternatively, treatment can be initiated early in the development stage of the sebaceous cyst. It is advisable to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, try not to stay up late, and regularly engage in exercises to sweat more and take frequent baths. These measures help prevent the recurrence of the condition. During the development of a sebaceous cyst, it is also important to avoid bursting and squeezing it yourself, as this generally does not result in a thorough cleaning.

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Is it okay not to treat a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are a result of hyperactive sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands, which accumulates in the local skin causing benign proliferation. Inside there is a sac containing material that resembles tofu dregs. If the cyst is small and does not show signs of growth, it can be left untreated, but it requires long-term observation. If the sebaceous cyst grows gradually larger or becomes painful, it is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital for a minor surgery to completely remove the sac and the tofu-dregs-like material inside. After recovery, it is important to follow a disciplined diet and lifestyle to prevent recurrence. One should avoid spicy and irritating foods, try not to stay up late, exercise regularly, and bathe frequently.