Cysts, what causes them and treatment options | Tibot

Cysts

Cysts are noncancerous, closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid, pus, or other material. Cysts are common on the skin and can appear anywhere. They feel like large peas under the surface of the skin. Cysts can develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands, or around foreign bodies, such as earrings.

There are many (hundreds) different types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous. Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on a number of factors, including:

  • the type of cyst,
  • the location of the cyst,
  • if the cyst is causing pain or discomfort,
  • whether the cyst is infected.

cysts on face

Cysts can range in size from smaller than a pea to a few centimetres across. Skin cysts don’t usually hurt, but can become tender, sore and red if they become infected. Foul-smelling pus coming out of the cyst is another sign of infection.

They affect young and middle-aged adults, and are particularly common in people with acne. They don’t usually run in families. Skin cysts aren’t contagious.

Different area and different type of cyst have different symptoms. Like:

  • A small, round bump under the skin,
  • Some have tiny blackhead plugging the central opening of the cyst,
  • A thick, yellow, smelly material,
  • Usually painless,
  • But some are redness, swelling and tenderness in the area, if inflamed or infected,
  • Etc.

Cysts

Some of the cells in the top layer of skin produce keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility. Normally, these cells move up to the surface of the skin as they start to die, so they can be shed.

However, the cells sometimes move deeper into skin and multiply, forming a sac. They secrete keratin into the middle of the sac, which forms a thick, yellow paste. This can ooze out of the cyst if it’s burst.

Anyone can develop a skin cyst, but more likely to have in puberty, with a history of acne, or injured the skin – for example, if have damaged a hair follicle.

Usually leave a cyst alone if it doesn’t cause discomfort or cosmetic problems. If seek treatment, talk with a doctor about these options:

  • In some cases, cysts go away on their own. Putting a warm compress on a cyst can speed up the healing process by helping it drain.
  • Injection: This treatment involves injecting the cyst with a steroid (cortisone) that reduces swelling and inflammation.
  • Incision and drainage: With this method, a small cut in the cyst and gently squeezes out the contents. This is a fairly quick and easy method, but cysts may recur after this treatment.
  • Minor surgery: Remove the entire cyst by minor surgery. Minor surgery is safe and effective and usually prevents cysts from recurring.
  • Infection: Incase of infection and after surgery, may need an antibiotic coverage.
  • Laser therapy is one of the option.

Most cysts don’t cause problems or need treatment. Schedule an appointment with a doctor if cyst becomes very painful or red. This could be a sign of a rupture or an infection. Visit a doctor if have one or more of the following points:

  • Embarrassing or discomfort,
  • Grows rapidly,
  • Ruptures or becomes painful or infected,
  • Occurs in a spot that’s constantly irritated,
  • Bothers cosmetic reasons,
  • Is in an unusual location, such as a finger and toe.
  • Roxburgh’s common skin diseases

Cysts

TUI - Tibot Urgency Index

Cysts are noncancerous, closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid, pus, or other material. Cysts are common on the skin and can appear anywhere. They feel like large peas under the surface of the skin. Cysts can develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands, or around foreign bodies, such as earrings.

There are many (hundreds) different types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous. Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on a number of factors, including:

  • the type of cyst,
  • the location of the cyst,
  • if the cyst is causing pain or discomfort,
  • whether the cyst is infected.

cysts on face

Cysts can range in size from smaller than a pea to a few centimetres across. Skin cysts don’t usually hurt, but can become tender, sore and red if they become infected. Foul-smelling pus coming out of the cyst is another sign of infection.

They affect young and middle-aged adults, and are particularly common in people with acne. They don’t usually run in families. Skin cysts aren’t contagious.

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Dr. Lora Smith

MBBS (Dhaka), DGO (DU) Ex SR. Gynaecologist & Obstetrician

09 606 111 222

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