Cysts are common skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. They are typically round or oval-shaped and can be filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air. There are many different cysts, each with unique characteristics and causes. Common types of cysts include sebaceous, pilar, and epidermoid cysts.
Sebaceous cysts are the most common type of cyst, typically found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are filled with a substance called sebum, produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebaceous cysts can be small or large and may become infected, causing pain and redness.
Pilar cysts are another type of cyst typically found on the scalp. They are filled with thick, cheesy material and are often round and smooth to the touch. Pilar cysts are more common in women than men and may run in families.
Epidermoid cysts are filled with thick, cheesy material and are often found on the face, neck, trunk, and genital area. Epidermoid cysts are caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells in a hair follicle or skin pore. Epidermoid cysts are usually slow-growing and may not cause any symptoms, but in some cases, they may become infected, causing pain and redness in the area.
Cysts can be unsightly and cause discomfort, and many people seek treatment to have them removed. The good news is that cysts are relatively easy to treat and can often be removed by a dermatologist. The type of cyst, size, and location will determine the best course of treatment, but in most cases, cysts can be removed using a simple surgical procedure.
If a cyst is inflamed, the cyst can be drained using a simple surgical procedure, such as incision and drainage. This procedure involves making a small incision in the cyst and draining the contents.
Cysts may need to be removed using a more invasive procedure, such as excision. Excisions involve removing the entire cyst and some surrounding tissue and are usually performed if it is large or has become inflamed in the past. After the cyst is removed, the skin is closed with sutures or a skin adhesive.
After a cyst is removed, it is essential to keep the area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. The incision site should be covered with a sterile bandage and changed regularly to promote healing. Patients often experience pain and swelling after cyst removal, and over-the-counter pain medications can relieve these symptoms.
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