How to operate on a sebaceous cyst

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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Sebaceous cysts are benign hyperplasia formed due to vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands and are somewhat related to inflammatory infections. Oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective for this condition. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the cyst sac and tofu-dreg-like substances inside. You can seek formal treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital. This surgery is minor and does not require hospitalization; it generally can be cured on the same day. After the surgery, the wound needs about a week to heal. This disease has a certain recurrence rate. After recovery, it is crucial to standardize your diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, try not to stay up late, regularly exercise, sweat more, and take more showers.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts hurt?

Typically, sebaceous cysts are painless and do not cause itching sensations. However, if a sebaceous cyst grows or enlarges, it can become painful, especially when compressed, rubbed, or during sleep. If this occurs, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for a minor surgery to completely remove the cystic sac and its cheesy content. After recovery, maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits is crucial. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, avoid alcohol and sweet foods, exercise regularly, bathe frequently, and if possible, avoid keeping small animals at home. Additionally, ensure that clothes, bed sheets, and quilt covers are often sun-dried and disinfected.

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Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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 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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Sebaceous cysts often occur in these areas

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form on the skin surface due to hyperactive sebaceous glands. Therefore, the most common locations for this condition are areas with abundant sebaceous secretion, such as the chest, back, facial T-zone, and scalp. It is crucial to seek standard treatment once this disease is diagnosed. It is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a regular hospital for surgical removal of the cyst and its contents. Currently, there is no effective oral or topical medication for this condition, and it cannot heal on its own. Standard treatment methods must be used. It is also advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, exercise regularly, and bathe frequently.