Is a sebaceous cyst serious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 12, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
55sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
56sec home-news-image

Symptoms of deterioration of sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are caused by excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands, which leads to localized obstruction and forms a benign proliferation, resulting in a subcutaneous sac that encases a tofu-dregs-like material. Generally, this condition does not exhibit symptoms of deterioration. The most severe common symptom is that the cyst enlarges and causes local pain. When subjected to external pressure or friction, it may rupture and become infected. Once this condition is detected, it is advisable to seek surgical removal at the dermatology department of a standard hospital as soon as possible. Normally, surgery can completely eradicate the problem. It's also helpful to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, refrain from staying up late, and reduce anxiety and stress. Regular exercise, sweating more, and frequent bathing can all aid in treating this condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that form under the skin due to hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands. They vary in size and if a sebaceous cyst is small and does not grow over time, it is generally acceptable to postpone surgery. However, if the sebaceous cyst continues to grow and starts to cause pain, it is necessary to have it surgically removed completely to prevent rupture and infection. It is advisable to seek surgical removal at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital. During treatment, it is important to regulate your diet and lifestyle habits. Try to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid staying up late, and reduce stress and anxiety. It is also better not to keep small animals at home, engage in regular exercise, and bathe more frequently.