How To Get Rid Of A Sebaceous Cyst

Any pimple-poppers in the house? If so, we’re going to have to ask you to desist if you want to de-cyst!

Dr. Andrea Suarez explains:

If you want it to not come back…

First let’s examine what it actually is: these are cysts formed from the pore (but not the sebaceous gland, despite the misleading term “sebaceous cyst”, to which many medical professionals have objected but it is still the term in widest use in English); they’re sacs lined with epidermis (skin) that fill with keratin (not sebum).

Not to be mistaken for:

• pilar (trichilemmal) cysts: usually on the scalp (but can also occur where there is facial hair), no central pore, firmer
• acne pseudocysts: occur with other acne lesions, not in isolation, and don’t have a central pore
• lipomas: rubbery, fatty lumps with no pore or keratin inside

Back to epidermal, “sebaceous” cysts: they’re often painless and medically harmless, but if ruptured (especially by squeezing), they invariably become inflamed, painful, and vulnerable to infection.

They can go away by themselves, but most people don’t love the appearance, and often they grow larger with time, which can be a reason you might want to take action.

The bad news: the only effective treatment is surgical excision, including complete removal of the cyst sac; if any of the wall is left, the cyst can return. That’s why you shouldn’t try to do it at home.

Another thing to be aware of is that excision is easier and leaves a smaller scar if done before rupture; ruptured cysts create more scar tissue, making surgery harder and scarring worse.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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Why Do We Have Pores, And Could We Not?

Take care!