Are Skin Cysts Dangerous?

South Florida Surgical Group Blog Are Skin Cysts Dangerous?

If you have a lump or bump either on or under your skin, it could be a cyst. Usually, cysts aren’t something serious or life-threatening, but it’s important to have them checked by a doctor anyway. 

Our team of surgeons treats all kinds of skin cysts at South Florida Surgical Group here in Miami, Florida. Read on to learn more about skin cysts and whether they should be cause for concern.

What is a skin cyst?

Think of a cyst like a sac. The sac can be filled with water, pus, or a combination of dead skin cells and oils. If you’ve ever watched Dr. Pimple Popper on TV, you’ve seen how big cysts can grow. These are extreme examples, and most cysts we treat aren’t that large. 

Skin cysts are caused by blocked ducts. There are many different types of skin cysts, including:

Are skin cysts dangerous?

Skin cysts usually aren’t dangerous. They’re more of a nuisance if you have one because they can be painful, grow larger, or even get infected. If you have a cyst on your skin, don’t poke at it or try to pop it because it could cause an infection or scarring. It’s best to let us take care of it for you.

What to look for

Most people don’t need treatment for a cyst. You should make an appointment to have your skin cyst checked if it:

Some people also have cysts removed for cosmetic reasons, especially if they’re in a noticeable area like the face. In terms of home remedies, you can try applying a warm compress to your cyst to help it drain. If that doesn’t help, it’s time to see us.

How we can help

Some cysts can be drained and treated with steroids to reduce inflammation. However, cysts do sometimes grow back. This happens when the sac isn’t removed, allowing fluid or debris to refill it. 

Surgically removing a cyst is a painless, in-office procedure. We basically numb the area and either remove or drain the cyst, depending on its size. 

We then send the tissue to a pathology lab for a biopsy. This is a standard procedure to ensure that the cells are not cancerous. While most skin cysts are benign —not cancerous— it’s best to make sure.

You don’t have to live with a troublesome skin cyst any longer. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons at South Florida Surgical Group today. Use the online booking tool or call 305-279-9522.

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