What should I do if a sebaceous cyst recurs?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on April 27, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
45sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
1min 1sec home-news-image

How to prevent sebaceous cysts

To effectively prevent sebaceous cysts, it is important to understand the factors causing this condition. Sebaceous cysts primarily occur due to vigorous secretion by the sebaceous glands, followed by poor subcutaneous drainage, gradually accumulating and forming benign proliferation. This condition is related to individual dietary and lifestyle habits, family genetics, and hormone levels within the body. Addressing these factors can largely help in prevention. Avoid consuming spicy, stimulating, and excessively greasy foods and alcohol. Avoid staying up late, feeling anxious, tense, or in a bad mood. Refrain from bathing in public baths or swimming in public pools. Regular exercise, sweating, and bathing also aid in prevention. If symptoms appear, it is advisable to undergo a minor surgery at a dermatology department in a reputable hospital to completely remove the cyst and prevent it from enlarging.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
47sec home-news-image

Will a sebaceous cyst go away on its own?

Once a sebaceous cyst forms, it will not disappear on its own. It will slowly grow larger, may cause pain, and could rupture, leading to secondary infections. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to have a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a formal hospital to completely remove it. This condition can recur, so after treatment, it is important to regulate diet and lifestyle. Avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy, or sweet foods. Try to avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress. Do not use public baths or swimming pools. Regularly exercise, bathe more often, avoid keeping small pets, and ensure that clothing, bedsheets, and duvet covers are sun-dried and disinfected.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
45sec home-news-image

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.

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

How to operate on a sebaceous cyst

Sebaceous cysts are benign hyperplasia formed due to vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands and are somewhat related to inflammatory infections. Oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective for this condition. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the cyst sac and tofu-dreg-like substances inside. You can seek formal treatment in the dermatology department of a regular hospital. This surgery is minor and does not require hospitalization; it generally can be cured on the same day. After the surgery, the wound needs about a week to heal. This disease has a certain recurrence rate. After recovery, it is crucial to standardize your diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, try not to stay up late, regularly exercise, sweat more, and take more showers.