A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with a cheese-like or oily material. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis. Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles. It is filled with a thick, greasy, cream-cheese like substance (called sebaceous material) that slowly fills up the cyst over many years. Skin trauma can also induce a cyst to form. A sac of cells is created into which a protein called keratin is secreted. These cysts are usually found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are usually slow- growing, painless, freely movable lumps beneath the skin. Sebaceous cysts are usually easily diagnosed by their appearance to the trained eye. Sebaceous cysts most often disapear on their own and are not dangerous.

Sebaceous cysts are very common and can occur in any area of hair-bearing skin, but mostly on the scalp. Sebaceous cysts may occasionally become infected and form into painful abscesses. It is important when sebaceous cysts are surgically removed that the entire sac is excised to help prevent a recurrence. The main symptom is usually a small, non-painful lump beneath the skin. Sebaceous cysts tend to develop in teenagers because of an interaction among hormones, sebum, and bacteria. During puberty, the glands in the skin produce excessive sebum. The cysts contain keratin and lipid, and the rancid odor often associated with these cysts relates to the relative fat content, bacterial infection, or decomposition.

Placing a warm moist cloth (compress) over the area may help the cyst drain and heal. Good hygiene may prevent the formation of Sebaceous Cysts. Daily showers or baths with antibacterial soap are recommended. It is important to wash the back. The local anaesthetic is injected at the incision line and around the lipoma with a syringe. Another common and effective method of treatment involves placement of a heat-pad directly on the cyst for about fifteen minutes. Small inflamed cysts can often be treated by injection of steroid medications or with antibiotics. Another common and effective method of treatment involves placement of a heat-pad directly on the cyst for about fifteen minutes.

Sebaceous cyst - Prevention and Treatment Tips

1. Good hygiene may prevent the formation of Sebaceous Cysts.

2. Daily showers or baths with antibacterial soap are recommended.

3. Oral antibiotics or other treatment before excision.

4. A steroid medicine that reduces swelling.

5. Surgical excision of a sebaceous cyst is a simple procedure to completely remove the sac.

6. Local anaesthetic is injected at the incision line and around the lipoma with a syringe.