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Cyst services offered in Fayetteville, Griffin and Zebulon, GA
Cysts can form nearly anywhere on the body, and some require professional treatment to remove. At Fayette Area Dermatology in Fayetteville, Griffin, and Zebulon, Georgia, board-certified dermatologist James Sandwich, MD, MPH, and Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, offer comprehensive treatment for all types of cysts. Call Fayette Area Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Cyst Q&A
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms underneath your skin or inside your body. Some cysts include tissue or other semi solid materials. Cysts can also contain pus. Proper drainage is essential if you have a pus-filled cyst. If the cyst ruptures, it can spread harmful bacteria throughout your body.
What are the different types of cysts?
Some of the most common types of cysts include:
Epidermoid cysts
An epidermoid cyst develops just beneath the skin. They can occur anywhere but typically form on the face, neck, or trunk of the body. Most epidermoid cysts are harmless, but some secrete a yellow or white fluid that may indicate an infection or inflammation.
Sebaceous cyst
Sebaceous cysts are slow-growing lumps that occur when the sebaceous glands become blocked with an oily substance. While you can see fluid come to the surface when you squeeze a sebaceous cyst, rupturing these bumps can be dangerous. In rare cases, sebaceous cysts are cancerous.
Pilar cysts
A pilar cyst happens when a hair follicle becomes clogged. While they can affect any part of your body, pilar cysts commonly occur on the scalp.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a large lump that develops on the eyelid. It occurs when the gland at the base of the eyelash becomes blocked. Chalazions affect people of all ages, but they’re more common after the age of 30.
What are the treatments for a cyst?
Some cysts subside on their own but many don’t. The team may recommend applying daily warm compresses to accelerate healing. If your cyst doesn’t resolve, Fayette Area Dermatology offers cyst treatments, including:
- Draining the cyst through a small incision
- Laser removal to cut the cyst wall
- Injecting medication into the cyst
- Surgical removal
During surgical removal, the team removes the entire cyst wall. The team may also recommend medication to prevent the cyst from returning.
There is no way to prevent a skin cyst, but taking proper care of your skin can help prevent infection. You should never try to pop or drain a cyst yourself. Attempting to remove a cyst on your own can result in pain, infection, inflammation, or scarring.
To learn more about cysts, call Fayette Area Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.