Are sebaceous cysts prone to recurrence?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that occur due to an over-secretion of local sebaceous glands mixed with bacterial infection. Generally, they can appear on any part of the skin. Although benign, if left untreated, they tend to grow larger. Typically, surgical removal is curative if the cyst sac is completely excised, with recurrence usually due to incomplete removal of the cyst sac or new flare-ups at other sites due to inflammation and infection. Once the condition is adequately treated, it is crucial to adopt a standardized diet and lifestyle habits. Try to avoid greasy and spicy foods, enhance physical exercise, sweat more, and avoid bathing or swimming in public pools, as well as keeping pets.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to operate on a sebaceous cyst

Sebaceous cysts are benign hyperplasia formed due to vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands and are somewhat related to inflammatory infections. Oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective for this condition. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the cyst sac and tofu-dreg-like substances inside. You can seek formal treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital. This surgery is minor and does not require hospitalization; it generally can be cured on the same day. After the surgery, the wound needs about a week to heal. This disease has a certain recurrence rate. After recovery, it is crucial to standardize your diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, try not to stay up late, regularly exercise, sweat more, and take more showers.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Sebaceous cysts often occur in these areas

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form on the skin surface due to hyperactive sebaceous glands. Therefore, the most common locations for this condition are areas with abundant sebaceous secretion, such as the chest, back, facial T-zone, and scalp. It is crucial to seek standard treatment once this disease is diagnosed. It is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a regular hospital for surgical removal of the cyst and its contents. Currently, there is no effective oral or topical medication for this condition, and it cannot heal on its own. Standard treatment methods must be used. It is also advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, exercise regularly, and bathe frequently.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can sebaceous cysts heal by themselves?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin due to the overactive secretion of the sebaceous glands themselves. They contain a tofu-dregs-like substance encased in a sac, which means that conventional oral and topical medications cannot eliminate it, hence, there is no self-healing. Once a sebaceous cyst is discovered, it is crucial to visit a dermatologist at a reputable hospital to have a minor surgery performed for complete removal, which is the only way to thoroughly address the issue. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, avoid staying up late, manage anxiety, exercise regularly, bathe frequently, and limit having small animals at home, as well as to regularly sun and disinfect clothes, bedding, and covers.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can a sebaceous cyst be squeezed?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation related to the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. Inside the cyst is a sac containing material that resembles tofu dregs. Generally, if the cyst is small, you can break it open yourself or squeeze it out and clean the inside. However, if the sebaceous cyst is larger than the size of a soybean, it's better not to attempt to squeeze or pick it open on your own, as it may not be thoroughly cleaned and could lead to re-infection. If this condition arises, it's best to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital. After diagnosis by a doctor, the appropriate treatment, usually surgery, can be determined. After recovery, it's important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and not to stay up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that form under the skin due to hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands. They vary in size and if a sebaceous cyst is small and does not grow over time, it is generally acceptable to postpone surgery. However, if the sebaceous cyst continues to grow and starts to cause pain, it is necessary to have it surgically removed completely to prevent rupture and infection. It is advisable to seek surgical removal at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. During treatment, it is important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits. Try to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid staying up late, and reduce stress and anxiety. It is also better not to keep small animals at home, engage in regular exercise, and bathe more frequently.