Sebaceous cyst

The sebaceous cyst is a type of lump that forms under the skin, composed of a substance called sebum, with a round shape, measuring a few centimeters and can appear in any region of the body. It is generally soft to the touch, can move when touched or pressed, and does not hurt.

However, the inflamed sebaceous cyst generates symptoms such as pain, increased temperature in the affected area and the region can become sensitive and red and, therefore, requires medical treatment. In this case, the most suitable doctor is the dermatologist, who may recommend a minor surgery to remove the cyst.

The soft, rounded lump on the skin can also be a lipoma, a type of benign tumor, composed of fat cells, which must also be removed through surgery or liposuction. See its features here.

Home treatment

It is not recommended to squeeze the cyst or try to remove it yourself, as it can infect and damage the tissues around it. To completely remove the sebaceous cyst, the ideal is to resort to surgery, which can be performed in the doctor's office, under anesthesia. When the cyst is inflamed, the doctor may advise that before the surgery, the patient will take antibiotics for 5 or 7 days to avoid infections.

However, a good treatment to remove the sebaceous cyst at home is to place a hot water bottle for 15 minutes in the region. Hot water promotes dilation and facilitates spontaneous release of its contents. Going to the beach also helps to cure the cyst because sea water helps to clean the region. See another home remedy to remove the sebaceous cyst.

How is surgery for sebaceous cyst

Surgery for sebaceous cyst is relatively simple, being performed in a doctor's office under local anesthesia. Surgery is indicated for cysts that measure more than 1 cm in diameter or that are infected, as can occur when the individual tries to squeeze it, for example. After removing the contents of the cyst the doctor will be able to give some stitches in the area and will perform a dressing that should be changed whenever it is apparently dirty.

Although sebaceous cysts are more common on the back, neck and head, they can appear in any region of the body, with the exception of the palms and soles of the feet.

Sebaceous cyst on the face

The sebaceous cyst on the face can be solved by the dermatologist because it is not recommended to try to remove the cyst alone, by squeezing or with a needle, because it can become infected.

Sebaceous cyst on the back

Sebaceous cysts on the back can cause greater discomfort when an individual is sleeping, especially when it is an inflamed cyst. Sometimes it can be mistaken for a pimple, but the sebaceous cysts on the back are usually larger and often need surgical treatment.

Sebaceous cyst on the head

The sebaceous cyst in the head can cause pain when the individual washes or combs the hair and, in some cases, it can be very visible, as in the case of baldness. Sebaceous cyst in the head is generally benign, but after its surgical removal the doctor may send part of its content for laboratory analysis to exclude the chances of malignancy, that is, of being a cancer, especially if the individual has already had cancer or if there are cases of the disease in the family.