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 treat sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia, relating to either the vigorous secretion by one's sebaceous glands or the presence of a localized abscess. The most conventional treatment is to visit the dermatology or general surgery department of a formal hospital to perform a minor surgery, where the cyst sac and tofu-dregs-like material are completely removed for a cure. The underlying causes of this condition are numerous, generally associated with personal diet and lifestyle habits. After recovery, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, persistently avoid spicy and irritating food, prevent staying up late and experiencing anxiety, enhance physical exercise, sweat more, bathe more frequently, which all help in preventing a recurrence. Regularly exposing one's clothing, bed sheets, and quilt covers to sunlight, and avoiding public baths and swimming, also contribute to prevention.

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Dermatology
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How to deal with painful sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cysts generally have several causes. The first is that the sebaceous glands enlarge and grow in areas subject to pressure or friction, causing pain. Others involve long-existing sebaceous cysts that recently became infected with bacteria, leading to localized pain. In such cases, it is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for minor surgery to completely remove the cyst sac and its cheese-like contents. It may also be appropriate to take some anti-inflammatory medication. During and after treatment, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, as this condition is somewhat related to excessive sebum secretion. Therefore, it's important to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, try not to stay up late, engage in regular exercise, sweat more, and bathe frequently.

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Do sebaceous cysts hurt?

Typically, sebaceous cysts are painless and do not cause itching sensations. However, if a sebaceous cyst grows or enlarges, it can become painful, especially when compressed, rubbed, or during sleep. If this occurs, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for a minor surgery to completely remove the cystic sac and its cheesy content. After recovery, maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits is crucial. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, avoid alcohol and sweet foods, exercise regularly, bathe frequently, and if possible, avoid keeping small animals at home. Additionally, ensure that clothes, bed sheets, and quilt covers are often sun-dried and disinfected.

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Written by Liu Gang
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Can sebaceous cysts be ignored?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that forms in areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are particularly active, containing a tofu-dreg-like substance encased in a cyst. Without treatment, they may gradually increase in size and can become painful or even rupture, leading to bacterial infection. It is generally advisable to seek treatment upon detection of such a condition. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital for a minor surgery to remove both the tofu-dreg-like substance and the cyst, which can be curative. It is also important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, bathe frequently, and exercise regularly to potentially prevent recurrence of the condition.

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The likelihood of sebaceous cysts turning cancerous

Sebaceous cysts are localized hypersecretion of sebaceous glands that form benign proliferations on the skin surface after mixing with bacterial infections. They generally form a sac under the skin containing tofu-dreg-like substances. Sebaceous cysts do not become malignant, and clinically, these diseases almost have no possibility of malignancy. Once discovered, it is essential to first get a diagnosis and then treatment at the dermatology department of a standard hospital. The most common treatment method is surgery to directly remove the tofu-dreg-like substances and the sac. If left untreated, the cyst may grow larger or rupture, leading to re-infection, which can be problematic.