Understanding Skin Cysts: Slightly hardened, fluid-filled bumps known as skin cysts or sebaceous cysts develop under the skin. Healthcare professionals no longer commonly use the term “sebaceous cyst.” These cysts are common, affecting at least 20% of adults, and their size can vary from a few millimeters to 5 centimeters across. Pain or tenderness is not typical unless they become inflamed, damaged, or infected. Cysts can lead to infections if they burst. This article explores the removal and treatment of skin cysts, along with their causes and potential complications.

Skin Cyst Treatment and Removal: Treatment is often unnecessary for most skin cysts, and the recommended approach is to keep them clean and refrain from interfering with them. This may occur due to infection, interference with daily activities, or the cyst’s prominent location. The removal of a cyst can result in a small scar. During cyst removal, the doctor strives to completely eliminate it, as leaving part of the sac wall on the skin may lead to cyst recurrence. Further treatment may be necessary for infected cysts. Avoiding the removal of a cyst is advisable when it is actively inflamed.

The Medical Approach: The process of removing a cyst at a doctor’s office includes administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, applying antiseptic swabs to prevent infection and halt its spread, and utilizing a blade and other instruments for cyst removal. In cases where a cyst has burst or there is an infection beneath the skin, the doctor may need to lance and drain it. Additionally, they may prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Understanding Skin Cysts: Skin cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts, develop as slightly hardened, fluid-filled lumps beneath the skin’s surface. They are typically movable and frequently appear on the face, neck, and torso.

Changing Terminology: Healthcare professionals have shifted away from the term “sebaceous cyst,” opting instead for labels like epidermal cysts, keratin cysts, or epithelial cysts, as reported by American Family Physician.