Sebaceous cysts can sometimes become inflamed at the most inconvenient times, such as during travel or stressful periods. What should you do if an abscess forms in a sebaceous cyst?

What to do when a sebaceous cyst becomes inflamed?

When a sebaceous cyst becomes inflamed, you often face the question of whether to perform an incision, meaning to open the cyst with a cut, or to wait and treat the inflammation with anti-inflammatory measures alone.

A dermatologist typically assesses whether a fluctuating abscess has formed. This refers to whether enough pus has accumulated under the skin to make the fluid palpable.

If this is the case, the dermatologist will usually allow the pus to drain and remove as much of the sebaceous material from the cyst as possible. However, it’s rarely possible to completely remove the cyst wall at this stage. As a result, a new cyst often forms, which will need to be surgically removed at a later time.

Better approach: Control inflammation first

A better approach is to control the inflammation with internal and external antibiotics, and then remove the cyst a few weeks later. This way, only one surgery is necessary, and the time-consuming wound care required after incising an inflamed cyst is avoided.

Steps involved in draining an abscess

• Preparation: The surgical area is first disinfected.
• Anesthesia: A special buffered anesthetic solution is used. This is important because inflammation creates an acidic environment in the tissue, which can reduce the effectiveness of the anesthetic unless the solution neutralizes the acid.
• Incision: The abscess is then opened with a cut, allowing the pus and sebaceous material to drain.
• Aftercare: The wound is not stitched closed to allow any residual fluid and material to drain. Over the following days, the wound is monitored and rinsed.
  Usually, the inflammation and pain subside quickly, and the remnants of the sebaceous cyst can be removed later.

How is a cyst removal surgery performed?

This is not detailed here, but it typically involves complete removal of the cyst and its wall to prevent recurrence.

What can you do if a cyst becomes inflamed?

• Do not squeeze the cyst: Avoid pressing on the cyst, as this can worsen the inflammation.
• Avoid irritation: Minimize friction and irritation in the inflamed area.

Home remedies that may help

• Black tea compresses:
  • Purchase unscented black tea.
  • Brew it in a cup, let it steep for 15 minutes, and then discard the tea bag.
  • Allow the tea to cool.
  • Soak cotton pads in the cooled tea and apply them to the area for 5–10 minutes.
  • Follow up by applying an anti-inflammatory cream.
• Saltwater compresses:
  • Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water (200 ml).
  • Stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
  • Soak cotton pads in the solution and apply them to the inflamed area for 10 minutes.