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
52sec home-news-image

Can sebaceous cysts be treated with laser?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that is somewhat related to vigorous sebaceous gland secretion. These are localized subcutaneous sacs containing a substance similar to tofu dregs. This condition cannot be treated with lasers. Using lasers to break the local epidermis can remove the tofu dregs-like substance inside, but it also hampers wound healing. The most common treatment for this condition is to visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital and undergo a minor surgery to entirely remove the cyst and the tofu dregs-like substance. After healing, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, engage in regular exercise, sweat more, and bathe frequently to help prevent recurrence.

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
50sec home-news-image

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.

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

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

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.