Causes of sebaceous cysts

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on January 09, 2025

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Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation with various onset factors. The most common factor is the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. If the local subcutaneous excretion is not smooth, it gradually accumulates over time to form a cyst. Some people develop the cyst because of a local purulent infection, leading to folliculitis or an abscess. Over time, if the pus is not completely eliminated, it gradually dries and accumulates to form a tofu-dregs-like substance. Once this disease is detected, common medications can no longer remove it. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital to have a minor surgery that completely removes the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance. Maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits can help suppress the recurrence of this condition.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

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Are sebaceous cysts prone to recurrence?

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

45sec

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

47sec

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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

50sec

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What medication should be applied for a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form due to the vigorous secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. They are generally located subcutaneously, not too deep, and consist of a sac filled with tofu-dreg-like material. This material forms from an initial abscess, whose clear pus gradually dries out. External and oral medications are generally ineffective for this condition, so it is advisable not to use topical medications. The most common treatment approach is to undergo minor surgery at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital to completely remove the sac and its contents. Subsequently, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and reduce staying up late to prevent recurrence of the condition.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

55sec

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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.