Understanding Cysts
A cyst is a benign skin growth made up of a sac or enclosed capsule filled with fluid or semisolid material. Cysts are often round or dome-shaped and may appear as nodules or lumps on or beneath the skin. The skin above a cyst may look unchanged or may have a small opening called a punctum.
Cysts can occur anywhere. The scalp, neck, and back are common locations. Pressure on a cyst may release a strong-smelling, cheese-like discharge.
When a Cyst Becomes Inflamed
A cyst may become inflamed and resemble a skin infection. The area can become painful and red.
Treatment options for an inflamed cyst include warm compresses, oral antibiotics, steroid injections into the lesion, and incision and drainage. Surgical excision removes the cyst along with its sac or capsule and is used as definitive treatment to help prevent recurrence.
