If you have a skin cyst — a round or oval lump filled with fluid — you may be wondering what to do. Cysts are skin growths, but they don’t always need to be removed.
Before trying to treat a cyst yourself, learn about the different types and how they should be handled, whether at home or by a doctor.
Get your cyst checked
Many things can look like cysts, including lipomas, boils, acne, bumps, and abscesses. It’s important to have a doctor or dermatologist examine the spot.
A doctor may do a biopsy, taking a small sample to look at under a microscope. That helps them tell whether the bump is a harmless cyst or something else that needs attention.
If the cyst needs to be removed, a medical professional can use several methods. Most cysts are harmless and won’t cause major issues, but if removal is needed, clinics that treat cysts (for example, dermatology centers) can offer safe options.
Ways doctors remove cysts
Drainage
Under local anesthesia, a doctor can make a small cut and drain the cyst’s contents. After the procedure, you may need antibiotics to prevent infection. A less invasive option is fine-needle aspiration, where a thin needle is used to drain the fluid.
Surgery
For larger cysts, surgical removal may be necessary. Under local anesthesia, the surgeon cuts the cyst out completely so it won’t return. This leaves a scar, and the area will usually be stitched closed.
Don’t remove a cyst at home
You should not try to remove a cyst yourself, even if you’re tempted to pop it like a pimple. Trying to burst a cyst with a sharp object can cause infection, permanent scarring, or damage to nearby tissue. It could also spread infection.
The only home care you should do is what your doctor advises after treatment. If your doctor recommends home measures, you can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers and apply a warm compress for 10–30 minutes, three to five times a day. Warmth can reduce inflammation and sometimes help a cyst drain on its own.
A cyst can take weeks or months to clear up. If it doesn’t improve, or if it grows, bleeds, or becomes painful or irritated, contact your doctor.
Stay calm until you know more
Keep an eye on cysts for changes, but you don’t need to remove every one. Most are harmless and won’t cause health problems. Don’t try to remove cysts yourself — see a doctor for a diagnosis and follow their advice. Until you have a clear diagnosis, treat the cyst as a minor skin blemish and remain calm.
Written by Jacob Scott