Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Treatment Options, and When to See a Doctor

A sebaceous cyst is a noncancerous, usually slow-growing lump beneath the skin caused by blocked sebaceous (oil) glands. They’re filled with a thick, oily substance called sebum and often occur on the scalp, face, back, or neck.

✅ Treatment Options for Sebaceous Cysts

🔹 1. Leave It Alone (if not bothering you)

• If it’s small, painless, and not infected, no treatment may be necessary.

• Watch for changes in size, redness, or pain.

🔹 2. Warm Compresses

• Applying a warm, moist cloth can help drain small cysts naturally over time.

• Do this for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.

🔹 3. Do NOT Squeeze or Pop It

• This can lead to infection, rupture, or scarring.

• Unlike pimples, sebaceous cysts are under the skin and not meant to be popped.

🔹 4. Medical Drainage

• A doctor can use a sterile procedure to drain the cyst.

• This is a temporary fix—the sac remains, so the cyst may return.

🔹 5. Surgical Removal (Definitive Treatment)

• A minor surgical procedure done under local anesthesia to remove the entire cyst wall and sac.

• Prevents recurrence and minimizes infection risk.

• Recommended if:

  • The cyst is painful, growing, infected, or frequently recurs.

🔹 6. Antibiotics (if infected)

• Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

• Oral antibiotics may be needed if there’s an abscess or spreading redness

  🚨 When to See a Doctor

• Rapid growth

• Signs of infection (pain, redness, pus)

• Located in a sensitive or visible area

• Recurring cysts

🧴 What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A sebaceous cyst, also known as an epidermoid cyst, is a noncancerous, slow-growing lump beneath the skin. It typically forms when a hair follicle or skin pore becomes clogged with keratin, a protein found in skin cells. These cysts are often filled with a thick, oily substance and can appear anywhere on the body, especially on the scalp, face, ears, neck, or trunk. ​Mayo ClinicJohns Hopkins Medicine

🩺 Treatment Options for Sebaceous Cysts

1. Observation and Home Care

• When to Observe: If the cyst is small, painless, and not causing any symptoms, it may not require immediate treatment.​

• Home Care Measures:

  • Warm Compress: Applying a warm, moist cloth to the cyst can help reduce swelling and promote drainage.

  • Avoid Squeezing: Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the cyst, as this can lead to infection or scarring. ​Mayo Clinic

2. Medical Interventions

• Steroid Injections: Injecting a corticosteroid into the cyst can reduce inflammation and swelling. This may be effective for inflamed cysts. ​Mayo ClinicJohns Hopkins Medicine

• Incision and Drainage: A healthcare provider makes a small incision in the cyst and removes the contents. While this can relieve symptoms, it doesn’t remove the cyst wall, so the cyst may recur. ​Johns Hopkins Medicine+1Mayo Clinic+1Mayo Clinic

• Surgical Excision: The entire cyst, including its wall, is surgically removed. This is the most effective method to prevent recurrence. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. ​Mayo Clinic

3. Antibiotics (If Infected)

• When Needed: If the cyst becomes red, swollen, or painful, it may be infected.​

• Treatment: A healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, drainage of the cyst may also be necessary. Mount Sinai Health System​

⚠️ When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a healthcare provider if you notice:​

• Rapid growth of the cyst​

• Pain, redness, or warmth around the cyst​

• Pus or other drainage from the cyst​

• A history of multiple cysts​Cleveland Clinic

🧠 Prevention Tips

• Avoid Skin Trauma: Minimize injuries to the skin, as they can lead to cyst formation.​

• Maintain Skin Hygiene: Regular cleansing can help prevent clogged pores.​

• Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Opt for skincare products that do not clog