Cysts are small, generally painless bumps that form under the skin. They can appear on any part of the body and develop for a number of different reasons. Sometimes they appear without an obvious cause at all. Most of the time, cysts do not require medical treatment; they are not usually a cause for concern. However, if your cyst is sore, infected, bothersome, or located in an embarrassing area, you may want to talk to your doctor about it. Keep reading to learn how to help your cyst go away on its own and your medical treatment options.
Never Try to Pop It
Though it may be tempting to try to pop the cyst on your own, it is actually one of the worst things you can do to it. Most cysts are practically impossible to pop by squeezing or picking at them with your fingers. In the process of trying to pop it, you can end up sending bacteria and sebum below the hair follicles. This can cause the materials to spread even further and result in more cysts. Picking can also increase your risk of developing scars. Instead of popping it on your own, use the remedies below to urge the trapped substance in the pore to leave or talk to a doctor who specializes in dermatology in San Diego, CA.
Cleaning the Cyst
When you are trying to remove a cyst, one of the most vital things you can do is keep up with a regular cleaning schedule. This includes bathing daily and gently washing the cyst up to three times every day. Try not to scrub the area as this can cause irritate the cyst and cause more inflammation. Instead, clean it gently using warm water and a little bit of soap.
Apply a Warm Compress
After cleaning the cyst, hold a warm compress on the area for five to ten minutes. The moisture and the warmth help to encourage the substance trapped under the skin to make its way out of the hair follicle. Repeat this process up to three times per day until the cyst drains on its own. With a little bit of patience, your cyst will remove itself without the need of any medical assistance to pop it.
Ice It to Reduce Inflammation
In most cases, cysts look a lot worse than they feel. However, if they become inflamed or swollen, they can become much more uncomfortable. Inflamed cysts can swell, become red, and grow in size. You are at a greater risk of increased inflammation if you tend to pick or scratch the cyst. To reduce the inflammation, ice the cyst after applying the warm cloth. Where the warmth helps to remove the underlying material, the cold can help to diminish the swelling and redness. It can also help to reduce your pain and cause the cyst to become smaller and less noticeable.
Medical Treatment
In most cases, you can leave a cyst alone if it is not uncomfortable or doesn’t cause cosmetic problems. If it is painful, large, or you’ve tried the remedies above without success, it may be time to consider your medical options. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your treatment options. They may suggest:
- Injection: This method involves injecting the cyst with medicine to limit inflammation and swelling.
- Incision and Draining: The doctor will make a small incision in the cyst and gently drain its contents.
- Minor Surgery: For serious cysts, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgically removing the cyst is safe, effective, and prevents cysts from reforming.
If you have a painful cyst that you would like to get removed, contact us at Academic & Aesthetic Dermatology Consultants to set up an appointment today.
