Skin Cyst Removal in Sarasota
Skin Cysts at a Glance
- A skin cyst is a noncancerous growth that can occur anywhere on the body.
- They typically appear as small, round, or dome-shaped bumps under the skin.
- They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and can be filled with pus, oil, or other fluids.
Skin cysts can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Blockages in the sebaceous glands: When the sebaceous glands become blocked, they can cause a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of a cyst.
- Inherited conditions: Some people may be more prone to developing skin cysts due to an inherited condition.
- Trauma: Injuries to the skin can cause cysts to form.
Symptoms of Skin Cysts
The symptoms of skin cysts can vary depending on their size and location. Some common symptoms include:
- A small, round, or dome-shaped bump under the skin.
- The bump may be firm or soft.
- The cyst may be red, swollen, or tender.
- Pus or other fluids may drain from the cyst.
Treatment Options for Skin Cysts
Treatment options for skin cysts may vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. Some common treatments include:
- Drainage: If the cyst is filled with pus or other fluids, your doctor may drain it.
- Excision: In some cases, the cyst may need to be surgically removed.
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and shrink the cyst.
Watchful waiting: If the cyst is small and not causing any discomfort, your doctor may recommend waiting to see if it goes away on its own.
At our medical practice, we offer a range of ways to treat skin cysts. Our double board-certified dermatologist and oculoplastic surgeon have years of experience treating skin conditions, and we use the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.
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Cysts FAQs
A cyst is a type of growth that can occur anywhere on your body, inside and outside. Dermatologists primarily deal with cysts on or within the skin, such as epidermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts.
Each cyst is filled with fluid, air, pus, or other organic substances. While it may be tempting to pop a cyst on your skin by yourself, you shouldn’t do so: Without removing its entire sac, a cyst can grow back even larger than before.
The vast majority of skin cysts are noncancerous, but there are multiple reasons why you might choose to get treatment for them anyway. The Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery team evaluates your cyst to decide on the best course of treatment.
Many cysts are not only benign but painless. While it might be bothersome having a bump on your skin, it might not be a big deal if the cyst is small and uninflamed.
It’s up to you if you want to treat a cyst for cosmetic purposes. However, you should also schedule an appointment at the Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery if your cyst:
- Grows very quickly
- Ruptures on its own
- Feels painful and tender
- Shows signs of infection
- Is in an area with lots of pressure or irritation, like between the fingers
Some cysts intermittently drain on their own, with yellow material coming out of their heads. Any yellowish drainage from a cyst is usually broken-down keratin that has seeped into the growth.
Treating a cyst often requires careful surgical extraction of the growth and its sac. While many cysts go away without treatment, you can choose to pursue professional care for any cyst that is particularly bothersome, irritated, unsightly, or painful.
- Excision: The simple surgery for cysts, called excision, takes place in the office at the Institute of Dermatology & Oculoplastic Surgery. You don’t need to be asleep for the procedure. Instead, the team numbs the cyst and a margin of tissue around it with local anesthesia.
- Injection: If you have a particularly inflamed cyst, another treatment option is an injection to reduce the inflammation.
- Incision & Draining: You can also have your cyst incised and drained, but this method usually leads to cyst regrowth. It is only favorable in select cases.