Infected Sebaceous Cyst

Infected Sebaceou Cyst

At Northmead Medical Centre, we provide assessment and treatment of sebaceous (epidermoid) cysts, including infected cysts, incision and drainage, and surgical excision where appropriate.

Sebaceous cysts are common benign skin lumps that usually grow slowly beneath the skin. While many cysts remain painless, they can become inflamed, infected or uncomfortable, requiring medical treatment or surgical removal.

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A sebaceous (epidermoid) cyst is a benign, slow-growing lump that develops beneath the skin. It commonly contains keratin and may have a small central opening (punctum). These cysts can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the:

Scalp
Face
Neck
Back
Chest
Shoulders

Most cysts are harmless, but they should be assessed if they become painful, infected or continue to enlarge.

Common Causes

Sebaceous cysts may develop due to:

Blockage of a hair follicle or skin gland
Skin trauma or injury
Acne or chronic skin inflammation
Genetic predisposition
Previous skin infections

Avoid squeezing or attempting to remove a cyst yourself, as this may lead to infection or make removal more difficult.

Symptoms

Sebaceous cysts may cause:

A smooth, round lump beneath the skin
Slow enlargement over time
A visible central punctum
Tenderness if inflamed
Redness and swelling if infected
Thick, foul-smelling discharge
Pain when pressure is applied

Seek medical attention if the cyst becomes increasingly painful, rapidly enlarges, develops redness or pus, or is associated with fever.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the cyst is stable, inflamed or infected.

Observation

Small, painless cysts that are not causing symptoms may simply be monitored.

Antibiotics

If the cyst becomes infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the surrounding skin infection. Antibiotics alone may not completely resolve the cyst.

Incision & Drainage

For infected cysts containing pus, incision and drainage may be required to relieve pain and allow the infection to settle.

Surgical Excision

Once inflammation or infection has resolved, complete surgical excision may be recommended to remove the cyst wall and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment based on your individual circumstances.

Sebaceous Cyst Removal Procedure

Where appropriate, cyst removal is performed under local anaesthetic.

The procedure generally involves:

Examination of the cyst.
Cleansing the skin with antiseptic.
Local anaesthetic.
Careful removal of the cyst and its lining.
Closure of the wound with sutures where required.
Application of a protective dressing.

Most procedures take approximately 20–60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cyst.

Benefits of Treatment

Treatment may:

Relieve pain and discomfort
Treat infection
Reduce the risk of recurrent inflammation
Improve appearance where appropriate
Prevent enlargement of the cyst
Provide a definitive diagnosis if required

Recovery & Aftercare

Following treatment, your doctor will provide detailed wound care instructions.

Patients are generally advised to:

Keep the wound clean and dry
Change dressings as instructed
Complete any prescribed antibiotics
Return for wound review or suture removal if required
Monitor for increasing redness, swelling or discharge

Healing time varies depending on the size and location of the cyst.

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