Fact Checked
A sebaceous cyst is a benign, firm sac that develops in the skin and sometimes forms a lump that is shaped like a dome and is attached to the epidermis that can be moved over the tissues.
The sac is filled with sebum that looks like cheese and greasy. It usually happens on the shoulder, face, neck or chest in which hair also grow. Hormone stimulation or injury and result to making the cyst large and becomes infected.
Causes of an infected sebaceous cyst
- Glands that produces oil becomes blocked and cause forming a sac filled with a yellowish substance that is greasy. When bacteria enter the area the sac becomes infected. It can become an abscess and cause pain and pus that drain out. It can also become a boil.
- Ingrown hairs and cause irritation under the skin and result to development of infection and inflammation.
- Flow of testosterone in the body
Formation of abscess or boils in the inner thighs and buttocks due to infected pimples and bumps. - Shaving and waxing
- Increase production of sebum
Symptoms
- A foul-smelling liquid that looks like cheese starts draining out
- Formation of abscess or boils in the inner thighs and buttocks due to infected pimples and bumps.
- Infected boil burst under the skin and cause severe pain due to picking, inflammation and trauma.
- Draining pus or bleeding
- Fever and pain
- Soreness and tenderness of the affected area
- The affected area is more warmer than the rest of the body
Treatment
- Apply warm compress over the area. Warm a towel at least 37-40 C and apply to the area for 10-30 minutes 3-4 times every day to lessen pain and the inflammation and until the cyst becomes dry. Heat dilates blood vessels and increase flow of blood in the area. It also washes out inflammatory exudates which are mass of cells and fluid that seeped out of the vessels of blood. Hot water bottle or a heating pad can also be used. Place a damp towel between the skin and the hot bottle to prevent burns.
- Wash the affected areas using non irritating antimicrobial soap in running water. Pat dries the area and covers it using sterile gauze. Avoid putting cosmetics over the lump to prevent further irritation, infections and delays the healing.
- Avoid popping the cyst to prevent the risk of developing infection and result to permanent scarring.
- If the cyst accidentally burst, wash the area properly using non-irritating antimicrobial soap and clean running water. Cover the area with a bandage to prevent the fluid from spreading. Change bandage regularly.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics to lessen the infections and the pain.
FACT CHECK
https://www.everydayhealth.com/sebaceous-cyst/guide/