Inflamed Cyst

Description

• An inflamed cyst (often an epidermoid or pilar cyst) is a bump beneath the skin that becomes red, swollen, and tender due to irritation, rupture, or secondary infection. These cysts form when skin cells or keratin get trapped under the surface. When inflamed, they may enlarge quickly, feel sore, and sometimes drain pus or thick white material.

When should I come in? 

Schedule a dermatology visit if:

• The cyst is painful, red, or rapidly enlarging

• It is draining or showing signs of infection (warmth, pus, spreading redness)

• It is recurrent or bothersome cosmetically or functionally

• You’re unsure if the lump is a cyst or another growth

• Over-the-counter measures (like warm compresses) haven’t helped

Seek urgent care if you develop fever, spreading redness, or severe pain, as these may signal a more serious infection.

Treatment for a Cyst

• Options depend on whether the cyst is actively inflamed:

  • For acutely inflamed or infected cysts:

    • Incision and drainage (I&D): releasing the trapped material to relieve pain and pressure.

    • Intralesional steroid injection: to reduce inflammation and swelling.

    • Oral antibiotics: if infection is present or spreading.

  • For non-inflamed or recurrent cysts:

    • Surgical excision: complete removal of the cyst sac and contents to prevent recurrence.

    • This is typically done once inflammation has resolved, for best cosmetic outcome and healing.

  At Integrity Skin & DermCare, we treat inflamed cysts with careful drainage, medication if needed, and later excision when appropriate—always with attention to detail to minimize scarring and recurrence.