Causes of sebaceous cysts

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on January 09, 2025
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Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation with various onset factors. The most common factor is the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. If the local subcutaneous excretion is not smooth, it gradually accumulates over time to form a cyst. Some people develop the cyst because of a local purulent infection, leading to folliculitis or an abscess. Over time, if the pus is not completely eliminated, it gradually dries and accumulates to form a tofu-dregs-like substance. Once this disease is detected, common medications can no longer remove it. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital to have a minor surgery that completely removes the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance. Maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits can help suppress the recurrence of this condition.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Causes of sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation with various onset factors. The most common factor is the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. If the local subcutaneous excretion is not smooth, it gradually accumulates over time to form a cyst. Some people develop the cyst because of a local purulent infection, leading to folliculitis or an abscess. Over time, if the pus is not completely eliminated, it gradually dries and accumulates to form a tofu-dregs-like substance. Once this disease is detected, common medications can no longer remove it. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital to have a minor surgery that completely removes the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance. Maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits can help suppress the recurrence of this condition.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Are sebaceous cysts prone to recurrence?

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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Can sebaceous cysts grow larger?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia, generally formed by the accumulation of sebaceous gland secretions under the skin, and contain a tofu-dregs-like substance within a sac. If left untreated, the disease can gradually grow larger and may cause pain or rupture. Therefore, once discovered, it is best to go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital to have a minor surgery to completely remove the tofu-dregs-like substance and the sac, which will eradicate the disease and prevent recurrence. It is important to maintain good dietary and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress, do not keep small animals in the home, exercise regularly, and bathe frequently.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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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.