Can a sebaceous cyst be squeezed?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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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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Can sebaceous cysts grow larger?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia, generally formed by the accumulation of sebaceous gland secretions under the skin, and contain a tofu-dregs-like substance within a sac. If left untreated, the disease can gradually grow larger and may cause pain or rupture. Therefore, once discovered, it is best to go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital to have a minor surgery to completely remove the tofu-dregs-like substance and the sac, which will eradicate the disease and prevent recurrence. It is important to maintain good dietary and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress, do not keep small animals in the home, exercise regularly, and bathe frequently.

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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 proliferation related to vigorous sebaceous gland secretion and bacterial infection on the skin surface. These cysts feel relatively soft. The most common treatment is a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital to completely remove the cyst. Generally, oral and topical medications are ineffective against sebaceous cysts. If left untreated, the cyst may continue to grow, causing pain and even rupture. Therefore, once detected, it is crucial to seek timely treatment. After treatment, it is important to adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming, and try not to keep pets at home.

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Dermatology
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What should I do if a sebaceous cyst recurs?

Sebaceous cysts are tumors formed by the accumulation of excessively secreted sebum from the sebaceous glands in localized areas. These cysts contain a substance resembling tofu dregs and mostly develop in areas with active sebaceous gland secretion. Generally, surgical removal is often completely effective. If the condition recurs, it indicates either significant local inflammation or incomplete removal during surgery. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for another minor surgery to ensure complete excision of the cyst sac. Additionally, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, refraining from staying up late, and avoiding public baths and swimming pools. It's also advisable not to keep small animals at home.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

Sebaceous cysts. These belong to a type of benign proliferation that forms after local skin inflammation and infection, where sebaceous glands cluster in a localized area. Generally, once a cyst has formed, medications alone cannot completely eliminate it. Only when the inflammatory infection is severe, can anti-inflammatory medications provide temporary symptom relief. The definitive treatment plan involves a minor surgery in a formal hospital's dermatology department to completely remove it. Normally, there is no recurrence as long as the cyst sac is completely cleared. After treatment, it is essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and minimize activities like public baths and swimming to reduce the risk of re-infection due to bacteria on the skin surface.

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Written by Liu Gang
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Sebaceous cyst should go to which department?

Sebaceous cysts are characterized by hyperactive sebaceous gland secretion, resulting in benign proliferations under the skin. Generally speaking, this condition falls under the purview of dermatological treatments, but general surgery can also manage it. Common oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective for this condition, which contains a sac filled with a tofu-dreg-like substance. The most standard treatment is a minor surgical procedure to completely remove these contents. There is also a possibility of recurrence with this disease. After complete recovery, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, not staying up late, exercising more, bathing frequently, sweating more, and avoiding public baths and swimming pools where possible.