Many people encounter small bumps under their skin and wonder about self-treatment. Understanding what these formations are and the potential consequences of attempting to self-treat them is important for maintaining skin health.
What is a Cyst?
A cyst is a sac-like structure that can contain fluid, air, pus, or other materials. These formations can develop almost anywhere in the body, including internal organs, but many are superficial, appearing just under the skin. They appear as a lump or bump of varying size.
Common types of superficial cysts include epidermoid cysts, filled with keratin, often on the face, neck, or torso, and pilar cysts, often on the scalp. Sebaceous cysts, less common, form within sebaceous glands and contain sebum. While cysts can resemble other skin conditions, they are distinct from pus-filled boils, which are usually bacterial infections.
Risks and Complications of Popping a Cyst
Attempting to pop a cyst at home carries significant risks. Squeezing or puncturing a cyst can introduce bacteria from hands or the environment into the sac, leading to infection. This can result in more severe conditions such as cellulitis, a skin infection, or an abscess, a collection of pus requiring surgical drainage.
Improper manipulation can also push the cyst’s contents deeper into the skin, intensifying inflammation and pain. This can contribute to permanent scarring or discoloration of the skin. Cysts have a distinct sac lining; simply expelling the contents often leaves this lining behind. If the sac remains, the cyst can refill and recur, sometimes becoming thicker or harder to treat in the future.
Safe Approaches to Cyst Management
For a cyst that is not infected or causing significant discomfort, there are safe ways to manage it at home without resorting to popping. Applying a warm compress can help reduce inflammation and sometimes encourage natural drainage. This can involve dampening a clean cloth with warm water and holding it on the cyst for 20 to 30 minutes, several times a day.
Maintaining good hygiene around the cyst is also important to prevent secondary infection. Gently washing the area with lukewarm water and mild soap can keep the skin clean. It is important to avoid squeezing, picking, or trying to drain the cyst, as this can worsen the condition. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort.
When Professional Medical Attention is Needed
Certain signs indicate that a cyst requires evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. These include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain, which are common indicators of infection. The presence of pus or discharge, a foul odor, or a fever also signals a need for medical attention.
Rapid growth, significant discomfort, or a cyst located in a sensitive area like the face or genitals also warrant a medical consultation. If there is any uncertainty about whether a lump is a cyst or something else, a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. Professionals can safely drain, inject with steroids to reduce inflammation, or surgically remove cysts under sterile conditions, which helps prevent recurrence and complications.