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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What department should I go to for a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation related to robust sebaceous gland secretion or internal inflammation. The standard treatment usually involves visiting a dermatology department at a formal hospital, although a general surgery department can also handle it. After discovering the cyst, one should visit these departments for a checkup. Once diagnosed, a minor surgical procedure can remove it. Generally, oral and topical medications are ineffective for sebaceous cysts. After recovery, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, refrain from staying up late, ideally do not keep small pets at home, and engage in regular exercise. Sweating more and taking frequent baths can effectively prevent the occurrence or recurrence of this condition.

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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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Is a sebaceous cyst serious?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia and are somewhat related to the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. This condition is generally not serious and mostly mild, with most cysts being relatively small, about the size of a mung bean. They may not require treatment and can be observed over a long period. If they gradually increase in size and cause pain, it is best to undergo a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital to completely remove them. Alternatively, treatment can be initiated early in the development stage of the sebaceous cyst. It is advisable to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, try not to stay up late, and regularly engage in exercises to sweat more and take frequent baths. These measures help prevent the recurrence of the condition. During the development of a sebaceous cyst, it is also important to avoid bursting and squeezing it yourself, as this generally does not result in a thorough cleaning.

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Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts hurt?

Most sebaceous cysts generally do not show obvious symptoms and do not cause pain. However, if the sebaceous glands grow and enlarge gradually, they will become painful, especially during squeezing or friction, which intensifies the pain. Once this condition is detected, it is best to go to a regular hospital's dermatology department where a doctor can perform minor surgery to completely remove the tofu-dregs-like substances and the cyst, thereby achieving a thorough cure. Regularly, one should standardize their diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating food, avoid staying up late, avoid anxiety, and refrain from bathing or swimming in public baths. It is also advisable not to keep small animals at home and to frequently sunbathe and sanitize bed linens and quilt covers.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin in areas where the sebaceous glands are particularly active. They contain a sac filled with a substance that resembles tofu dregs. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the contents of the cyst. After recovery, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from drinking alcohol and eating hot peppers, try not to stay up late, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming pools. This condition has a tendency to recur, but forming good life habits after recovery can greatly reduce the recurrence rate. Additionally, oral medications that reduce sebum secretion may be taken, and frequent bathing with sulfur soap can help reduce bacterial infections on the skin surface. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)