How to deal with painful sebaceous cysts?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on January 18, 2025
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Sebaceous cysts generally have several causes. The first is that the sebaceous glands enlarge and grow in areas subject to pressure or friction, causing pain. Others involve long-existing sebaceous cysts that recently became infected with bacteria, leading to localized pain. In such cases, it is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for minor surgery to completely remove the cyst sac and its cheese-like contents. It may also be appropriate to take some anti-inflammatory medication. During and after treatment, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, as this condition is somewhat related to excessive sebum secretion. Therefore, it's important to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, try not to stay up late, engage in regular exercise, sweat more, and bathe frequently.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation related to robust sebaceous gland secretion or internal inflammation. The standard treatment usually involves visiting a dermatology department at a formal hospital, although a general surgery department can also handle it. After discovering the cyst, one should visit these departments for a checkup. Once diagnosed, a minor surgical procedure can remove it. Generally, oral and topical medications are ineffective for sebaceous cysts. After recovery, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, refrain from staying up late, ideally do not keep small pets at home, and engage in regular exercise. Sweating more and taking frequent baths can effectively prevent the occurrence or recurrence of this condition.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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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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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How to operate on a sebaceous cyst

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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What medication should be applied for a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form due to the vigorous secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. They are generally located subcutaneously, not too deep, and consist of a sac filled with tofu-dreg-like material. This material forms from an initial abscess, whose clear pus gradually dries out. External and oral medications are generally ineffective for this condition, so it is advisable not to use topical medications. The most common treatment approach is to undergo minor surgery at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital to completely remove the sac and its contents. Subsequently, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and reduce staying up late to prevent recurrence of the condition.