What department should I go to for a sebaceous cyst?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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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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Is an infected sebaceous cyst serious?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations resulting from excessive secretion by one's own sebaceous glands. These cysts accumulate under the skin and contain a bag filled with tofu-dregs-like substances. They may gradually grow and cause pain, though they do not lead to severe infections, so sebaceous cysts are not a symptom of serious infection. After identifying this condition, it is necessary to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital, where a minor surgery can completely remove the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance to effectively cure the disease. After treatment, it is crucial to maintain a regulated diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and stimulating food, refrain from staying up late, reduce sebaceous gland secretion, increase exercise, bathe frequently, and sweat more, all of which help prevent recurrence.

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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
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Are sebaceous cysts hard?

Most sebaceous cysts feel slightly soft to the touch and are not particularly hard. If a particularly hard lump appears in the area, it may be swollen lymph nodes, not necessarily a sebaceous cyst. If such an unidentified lump appears, it is advisable to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital so that the doctor can examine it and diagnose what it actually is. If it is a sebaceous cyst, it is best to have a minor surgery as soon as possible to completely remove the material and the sac. If the lymph nodes feel particularly hard, temporary treatment with anti-inflammatory medication can be administered orally, and if they cannot be completely removed, surgical intervention may be necessary. Therefore, sebaceous cysts are not very hard and feel relatively soft; always confirm the diagnosis before treatment.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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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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.