4 Ways to Pop a Cyst

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4 Ways to Pop a Cyst
4 Ways to Pop a Cyst

Video: 4 Ways to Pop a Cyst

Video: 4 Ways to Pop a Cyst
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Cysts are nodules composed of fluid, semi-solid, or gaseous material that can appear in different parts of the body, including the knee, brain, kidneys, breasts, vagina, cervix, and even ovaries. The appearance of a cyst can be triggered by infections, genetic predispositions, lesions, cell defects or gland clogging. Each type of cyst has different symptoms and requires different treatments.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Determining the Type of Cyst

Treat a Cyst Step 1
Treat a Cyst Step 1

Step 1. Learn to differentiate sebaceous cysts from epidermoid cysts

Epidermoid cysts are more common and have different symptoms and treatments. It is important to correctly diagnose the cyst for treatment to be effective.

  • Both types of cysts are smooth and skin-colored or have a slightly yellowish tinge.
  • Epidermoid cysts are more common, growing slowly and without causing pain. Treatment is usually only needed in case of pain or infection.
  • Sebaceous cysts are usually found in hair follicles. They form inside the sebaceous glands that secrete the sebum that covers the hair. When secretions get trapped in the glands, they form a pouch containing a cheese-like substance. These pouches are usually close to the neck at the back of the scalp.
Treat a Cyst Step 2
Treat a Cyst Step 2

Step 2. Learn to differentiate a breast cyst from a tumor

The cyst can appear in both breasts at the same time, and a mammogram or biopsy is needed to distinguish it from a tumor. Symptoms of breast cysts include:

  • Soft, mobile lump with distinct edges.
  • Pain or tenderness over the bump.
  • Size and sensitivity will increase before menstruation.
  • Size and sensitivity will decrease after menstruation.
Treat a Cyst Step 3
Treat a Cyst Step 3

Step 3. Understand Cystic Acne

Acne is a generic term used to describe the most diverse types of pimples, blackheads, pustules and cysts. Cystic acne is its most severe form, with red, raised nodules about 3 mm in diameter. Cystic acne infection is deeper and more painful.

Treat a Cyst Step 4
Treat a Cyst Step 4

Step 4. Learn to identify a synovial cyst

Synovial cysts, quite common on the hands, are not cancerous and are usually not harmful. Because they are full of fluids, they can appear, disappear and change size quickly. No treatment is necessary unless the cyst is interfering with your body's functioning or the appearance of the cyst is uncomfortable.

Treat a Cyst Step 5
Treat a Cyst Step 5

Step 5. Determine if the pain you are experiencing is from a pilonidal cyst

A pilonidal cyst is characterized by a nodule or abscess in the crease between the buttocks. The cyst can arise because of excess hair, wearing tight clothing, obesity or the fact that you have been sitting for too long. Symptoms include pus formation, tenderness in the area, or swelling near the coccyx. In some cases there are no symptoms except for a dimple at the base of the spine.

Treat a Cyst Step 6
Treat a Cyst Step 6

Step 6. Learn to recognize a Bartholin's gland cyst

When Bartholin's glands, located on the sides of the vaginal opening, become clogged, a relatively painless swelling develops, forming the cyst. You may not notice the cyst if it doesn't get infected, which can occur after a few days, causing fever, discomfort, tenderness, and pain during sex.

Treat a Cyst Step 7
Treat a Cyst Step 7

Step 7. Determine if the swelling is a testicular cyst

Also known as a spermatocele or epididymal cyst, it is a non-cancerous, painless, fluid-filled sac in the scrotum. A doctor's diagnosis is needed to determine if it is not an infection, cancer, or a hydrocele in the testicles.

Treat a Cyst Step 8
Treat a Cyst Step 8

Step 8. If you are not satisfied with the doctor's diagnosis and treatment, get a second opinion

Although most cysts do not need medical treatment, you should seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your doctor's results. Most cysts are quite simple, but they can be disguising other ailments.

  • In a study published in the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the authors presented two cases in which a melanoma and a deep oral cavity were mistaken for sebaceous cysts.
  • There are several infections that can be confused with sebaceous cysts, including boils and carbuncles.

Method 2 of 4: Preventing a Cyst

Treat a Cyst Step 23
Treat a Cyst Step 23

Step 1. Know the cysts that cannot be prevented

Pillar cysts develop at puberty and have an autosomal dominant inheritance, which means that they can occur in both sexes, and if one of the parents has the pillar cyst gene, the risk is even greater. Cysts are recurrent in about 70% of people who suffer from them.

  • Until today the cause of the appearance of cysts in the breasts has not been discovered.
  • Doctors do not have a clear answer about the risk and prevention factors for cystic acne, but it is believed to be related to increased hormones in puberty and pregnancy and to infections in hair follicles.
Treat a Cyst Step 24
Treat a Cyst Step 24

Step 2. Know the cysts that can be prevented

As rare as they are, some cysts can be prevented, such as a pilonidal cyst. Avoid it by getting up every half hour for movement, wearing loose clothing and maintaining a healthy weight.

  • According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no effective way to prevent an epidermoid cyst from forming. Despite this, males, people who suffer from acne and those who spend a lot of time in the sun are more likely to develop this type of cyst.
  • People who have had hand injuries are more likely to have synovial and epidermoid cysts on their hands.
  • Bartholin's gland cyst can occur after an injury to the opening of the vagina.
Treat a Cyst Step 25
Treat a Cyst Step 25

Step 3. Reduce your chances of developing cysts

While most cysts cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce your chances of developing some types. Use skin care products that do not contain oil and avoid overexposure to the sun.

Waxing can also be responsible for the formation of cysts. Avoid excessive shaving in areas that have already developed cysts to prevent their recurrence

Method 3 of 4: Treating a Cyst at Home

Treat a Cyst Step 9
Treat a Cyst Step 9

Step 1. Treat an uninfected sebaceous or epidermoid cyst at home

Signs of infection include swelling, redness, heat and tenderness. If home treatment is not effective or you have symptoms that indicate infection, seek medical attention.

If the cyst is causing pain or discomfort, you should see a doctor for treatment

Treat a Cyst Step 10
Treat a Cyst Step 10

Step 2. Use a warm, moist compress over an epidermoid cyst to encourage recovery

Place a warm towel, but not so hot that it burns the skin, over the cyst two or three times a day.

  • Cystic acne responds better to ice than heat.
  • Bartholin's gland cyst can be treated at home with a sitz bath. Fill a bathtub with warm water and sit for a few minutes to encourage drainage.
Treat a Cyst Step 11
Treat a Cyst Step 11

Step 3. Avoid poking, squeezing, or trying to pop an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst, as you can increase the risk of infection or scarring

Also, never try to break out cystic acne, as you will deepen the infection and increase the risk of scarring.

Treat a Cyst Step 12
Treat a Cyst Step 12

Step 4. Allow the epidermoid cysts to drain naturally

As the cyst begins to expel the secretion, cover it with a sterile dressing and change it twice a day. If too much pus is expelled, the area around the cyst becomes red and tender, or blood begins to expel, seek medical attention.

Treat a Cyst Step 13
Treat a Cyst Step 13

Step 5. Keep the area clean

Prevent infections by washing the area around the cyst daily with antibacterial soap.

Method 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Help

Treat a Cyst Step 14
Treat a Cyst Step 14

Step 1. Know when it's time to see a doctor

While most cysts are harmless and go away on their own, some need medical attention. Contact a professional if the cyst is swollen, painful, or hot as these are signs of infection.

Treat a Cyst Step 15
Treat a Cyst Step 15

Step 2. Find out about surgical removal

If the cyst is interfering with your life, don't try to pop it yourself. Discuss safe removal options with a physician.

Treat a Cyst Step 16
Treat a Cyst Step 16

Step 3. Evaluate your options

The surgery will depend on the location, size and type of cyst. There are three options for removing cysts and you should discuss them with a doctor to determine the best option for you.

  • The incision and drainage method is a simple procedure in which a small cut is made in the cyst so that its contents are drained. For sebaceous and epidermoid cysts, in addition to uninfected superficial pilonidal cysts, the process can be performed in the office. The method can also be used for the removal of testicular, mammary, synovial and Bartholin gland cysts without hospital admission using general or local anesthesia. Be aware, however, that the procedure does not remove the cystic wall, which can cause a recurrence.
  • The minimal excision technique will remove the cystic wall and the caseous center of the cyst. Before removing the cystic wall, the doctor must open and drain the cyst. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, except in cases of sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, which only require local anesthesia. Depending on the size of the incision, a suture may be needed. This is a great treatment for removing breast, testicular, synovial and Bartholin gland cysts.
  • Laser removal is an option for large epidermoid cysts or those located in areas where the skin is thicker. The provider should open the cyst with a laser and gently remove the internal fluids. After one month, a minimal incision is made so that the cystic wall is removed. The result will not leave scars unless the cyst is inflamed or infected.
Treat a Cyst Step 17
Treat a Cyst Step 17

Step 4. Determine the actual need for cyst removal

There are some home treatments that can encourage drainage and recovery of sebaceous and epidermoid cysts. You should, however, seek medical help if the area appears infected, if the cyst is growing rapidly, or if you are bothered by either the placement of the cyst or the appearance of the cyst.

Treat a Cyst Step 18
Treat a Cyst Step 18

Step 5. Determine the need for removal of a breast cyst

Usually, no treatment is needed for the removal of a simple cyst in the breasts. If you haven't reached menopause, your doctor will recommend that you look at the cyst every month. If desired, you can perform a fine aspiration to drain the cyst.

  • If the cyst lasts for two or three menstrual cycles and doesn't go away on its own, or grows in size, it might be a good idea to have an ultrasound.
  • Your doctor may recommend oral contraception to regulate menstrual hormones in cases with severe symptoms.
  • Surgical removal is only necessary when the cyst is uncomfortable, the drainage draws blood, or the doctor believes the growth is not benign. In these cases, the entire cyst must be removed under general anesthesia.
Treat a Cyst Step 19
Treat a Cyst Step 19

Step 6. See a dermatologist to treat cystic acne

The provider must first recommend a drug used to treat other types of acne. If the problem is not resolved, your doctor may recommend using isotretinoin or Accutane.

Accutane is an effective medication that prevents scarring. Despite this, its side effects are considered serious and include: birth defects, increased chances of depression and suicide, changes in blood lipid and sugar levels, liver problems and decreased white blood cells. You will need monthly blood tests to monitor your response to the medication

Treat a Cyst Step 20
Treat a Cyst Step 20

Step 7. Seek treatment for a synovial cyst

Treatment is usually non-surgical and includes observation. Immobilize the area if the activity increases the size or pressure of the cyst. Fluid aspiration can be performed if the cyst is causing pain or limiting mobility. The procedure can be performed with a needle in a sterile office.

If symptoms do not improve with non-surgical methods (immobilization and fluid aspiration) or the cyst returns, surgical removal can be performed. During excision, part of the involved tendon or joint capsule will be removed. The procedure is outpatient and usually requires general anesthesia. Be aware that there is a small chance that the cyst will return even after complete removal

Treat a Cyst Step 21
Treat a Cyst Step 21

Step 8. Treat a Bartholin's gland cyst

The type of treatment will depend on the size of the cyst, the discomfort caused by it and the presence or absence of infection. A few lukewarm sitz baths during the day should help the cyst to drain.

  • If the gland is severely swollen or infected, bathing may not be effective and a surgical incision may be necessary. The doctor will use local or general anesthesia and will insert a catheter into the gland for up to six weeks to allow for complete drainage.
  • Your provider may prescribe some antibiotics to treat the infection.
Treat a Cyst Step 22
Treat a Cyst Step 22

Step 9. Understand the treatment for testicular cysts

Although the testicular cyst is benign (non-cancerous), it can cause discomfort in the scrotal region, which can validate a surgical excision.

  • Surgery is not recommended for teenagers. The physician should instruct the patient to perform a self-examination and inform the patient of any changes in the cyst before considering the option of surgery.
  • Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an option that reduces the risks associated with scrotal surgery and has good results. In one study, after a sclerosing injection (guided with an ultrasound), 84% of participants were symptom free within six months. The injected sclerosing agent reduces the size and symptoms of the cyst through a process that is less risky than surgery.

Tips

Most cysts are neither preventable nor cancerous. Doctors usually wait a while before recommending any medical or surgical intervention

Notices

  • Never squeeze, pop or poke a cyst, as you will increase the chances of infection and scarring.
  • Most cysts will go away on their own. If you want to remove a cyst quickly, see a doctor to see what the best options are based on the type of cyst, location and size of the cyst.
  • Always wash your hands before and after treating a cyst or any other type of skin infection.

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