Overview
What is Cyst Treatment and who is it for?
The most common skin cysts are epidermoid and pilar cysts, often called sebaceous cysts. They form when skin cells collect inside a small pocket instead of shedding normally, filling it with a soft, cheesy material. They are usually harmless, but they can get infected, burst under the skin and leave scarring. Squeezing them at home tends to make inflammation worse and rarely clears the sac.
Treatment depends on the cyst's size, location and whether it is inflamed. An infected cyst is first calmed with medicines, sometimes with a small drainage, because removing it while swollen raises the chance of it returning. Once settled, the full cyst wall is removed through a small cut and the skin is stitched. Removing the whole sac lowers the chance of recurrence, though it cannot rule it out entirely.
The procedure
What happens during the treatment?
- 1
Examination
Dr. Shilpa checks the lump to confirm it is a cyst and not another type of growth, and asks how long it has been there.
- 2
Settling any infection
If the cyst is red and painful, you may get antibiotics or a small drainage first, with surgery planned once it calms down.
- 3
Excision under local anaesthesia
The area is numbed, a small incision is made and the cyst is removed with its wall. The wound is then closed with fine stitches.
- 4
Dressing and stitch removal
You go home the same day with a dressing. Stitches are usually removed after about 7-14 days depending on the site.
Benefits
What are the benefits?
- The lump is properly diagnosed before anything is removed.
- Removing the full sac reduces the chance of the cyst coming back.
- Local anaesthesia means you stay awake and comfortable during the procedure.
- Incisions are planned along skin lines to keep scarring small.
- The removed tissue can be sent for testing if there is any doubt.
Is it right for you?
Cyst removal suits people with a cyst that is growing, getting infected repeatedly, causing discomfort or bothering them cosmetically. If the cyst is currently red, hot and painful, treatment usually begins with calming the infection. People with bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes or on blood thinners should mention this at the consultation so the procedure can be planned safely.
Aftercare
How should you care for your skin afterwards?
- 01Keep the dressing clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours.
- 02Take prescribed medicines and pain relief as advised.
- 03Avoid heavy exercise or stretching the area until stitches are removed.
- 04Watch for spreading redness, fever or pus and call the clinic if they appear.
- 05Protect the scar from sun once healed to help it fade.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic injection, which stings for a few seconds. After that most people feel only pressure or tugging. Some soreness is normal for a few days afterwards and is usually managed with simple pain relief.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.
