Question 1

i am including more details but have a infected  sebaceous cyst on my middle back. they drained/remove the cyst. they said it was infected. i started amoxicillin. when should i expect improvement in appearance such as redness etc? i emailed pcp too?

Accepted Answer

Infected cyst: This depends on how fast you heal in general so remember what happened with prior surgeries.  Should be getting less red in a day or so. I would try some time lapse photography to document the time frame in you. You will have better idea for you. Everyone is different. Tome will tell.

Question 2

can an infected sebaceous cyst drain on its own ? i have one on my chest but when i touch the skin now, i cannot feel any bump underneath anymore.

Accepted Answer

Self healing: These occur when glands in our skin get blocked and what they secrete collects and causes pressure. Immediate response is inflammation (red, hot, tender swelling). The the body increases blood flow to the injury to bring healing factors to the area and also the veins expand to carry bad stuff away. Avoid picking/squeezing lets nature take its course. Yours probably simply resolved not drained.

Question 3

infected sebaceous cyst on my jaw. been on antib's a few days, but it has only gotten more red. it started leaking pus today. do i need it drained?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Proper drainage aids and accelerates healing of these. Antibiotics are usually of no value.

Question 4

when the doctor drains a sebaceous cyst does it always have to be removed later.

Accepted Answer

Probably better: Your cyst was simply drained this time because it became infected and probably abscessed. This leaves a good portion of the capsule behind and the cyst will reform. It may become infected again so usually better to have removed completely once this infection resolves.

Question 5

had an infected sebaceous cyst removed 2 wks ago. no stitches; daily dressings. has been healing well. suddenly, i notice redness around the wound. ?

Accepted Answer

See the doc : That removed the cyst as it sounds like it is becoming infected

Question 6

sebaceous cyst drained. yes i guess i should remove it. but i am stuck in istanbul,tr and not in my own country! can i remove this cyst later at a safer time? or do i need to do it right now? btw i'm w/my asthmatic mom and don't want to take risk.

Accepted Answer

Depends: If it is not infected or ruptured, you can wait. It is not an urgent issue. It is a benign lesion.
Wish you good health!

Question 7

hi, i had a sebaceous cyst  surgically removed 18 months ago. it left a red raised scar. it is now very painful, has the cyst come back? or is scar infected?

Accepted Answer

All are possibile: Yes it could be a raised scar tissue ( keloid ) or some times they can recur , or infected fluid  under the scar could be also strong possibility as it is 'now very painful' Best option see your doctor , if it is will drain it , possibly  Rx antibiotics , then you will be fine .

Question 8

does a sebaceous cyst drain itself?

Accepted Answer

It can: If a sebaceous cyst, also known as an epidermal inclusion cyst, becomes inflamed enough it will drain on its own.  They can be painful if inflamed.  Do not try to squeeze it.  If  you want it removed, see your dermatologist as it is a routine surgical procedure.

Question 9

do all boils or sebaceous cysts need to be cut out or drained?

Accepted Answer

Not required. : Sebaceous cysts are occluded hair follicles or pores that collect sebum. Although they will not go away on their own, as long as they are not infected, they do not need to be cut out or drained. If they continue to grow in size, or become infected, they will need surgical treatment. The term "boil" implies that the lesion is already infected. If not draining, they require surgical drainage.

Question 10

if you have a sebaceous cyst, should it drain by itself once it got too big?

Accepted Answer

Possible but remove: It is always easier to remove this under controlled situation rather than while infected. Seek evaluation by a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, general surgeon, or physician skilled with removal.

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Doctor answers about:

Drain or remove an infected sebaceous cysts

A member asked:

I am including more details but have a infected sebaceous cyst on my middle back. they drained/remove the cyst. they said it was infected. i started amoxicillin. when should i expect improvement in appearance such as redness etc? i emailed pcp too?

A member asked:

Can an infected sebaceous cyst drain on its own ? i have one on my chest but when i touch the skin now, i cannot feel any bump underneath anymore.

A member asked:

Infected sebaceous cyst on my jaw. been on antib's a few days, but it has only gotten more red. it started leaking pus today. do i need it drained?

A member asked:

When the doctor drains a sebaceous cyst does it always have to be removed later.

A member asked:

Had an infected sebaceous cyst removed 2 wks ago. no stitches; daily dressings. has been healing well. suddenly, i notice redness around the wound. ?

A member asked:

Sebaceous cyst drained. yes i guess i should remove it. but i am stuck in istanbul,tr and not in my own country! can i remove this cyst later at a safer time? or do i need to do it right now? btw i'm w/my asthmatic mom and don't want to take risk.

A member asked:

Hi, i had a sebaceous cyst surgically removed 18 months ago. it left a red raised scar. it is now very painful, has the cyst come back? or is scar infected?

A member asked:

Does a sebaceous cyst drain itself?

A member asked:

Do all boils or sebaceous cysts need to be cut out or drained?

A member asked:

If you have a sebaceous cyst, should it drain by itself once it got too big?

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