Cyst

If you have a lump or bump that’s painful or filled with fluid, it may be a cyst. At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut, the skilled dermatology team diagnoses and treats cysts to remove them and reduce the risk of infection. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online scheduler today.

What is a cyst?

Cysts are pocket-like tissues, or bumps within skin tissues, filled with blood, pus, fluids, or other tissues. They can appear anywhere on (or in) the body, look unsightly, feel painful, or become infected in some cases. See your dermatologist if you have a cyst-like lump that’s painful or doesn’t go away on its own over time.

What are the different types of cysts?

Signs of cysts include raised lumps or bumps that are often red, squishy, or tender. Some common types of cysts include:

• Dermoid cyst: noncancerous sac that appears at birth
• Lipoma: soft mass of fatty tissue that feels rubbery and soft
• Pilomatrixoma: calcified, noncancerous cyst often on the neck, head, or limbs
• Sebaceous cyst: painless, slow-growing cyst resulting from a blocked hair follicle
• Pyogenic granuloma: red, small, raised bump, often near an injury

Your dermatologist determines which type of cyst you may have before developing the most appropriate treatment. 

What are the risk factors for cysts?

While anyone can develop cysts, common risk factors include having genetic disorders, injuries to your skin, and developing clogged hair follicles or pores. However, the cause of having a cyst isn’t always known. 

How does my dermatologist diagnose cysts?

Your provider diagnoses a cyst after examining it and the surrounding skin, reviewing your medical history, and asking about your symptoms. They may scrape off skin cells or take a tissue biopsy and send it to a lab for analysis. 

How are cysts treated?

Not all cysts require medical intervention. Some go away on their own over time. You might apply a warm, moist cloth to a cyst to help it drain and heal. Avoid trying to drain a cyst yourself at home, as doing so could lead to an infection. 

Medical treatments for cysts include injections, incision and drainage, and surgery to remove an entire cyst. If a cyst becomes infected, you might need to take medicine. 

The Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists tailor each treatment to ensure a cyst heals effectively. 

To get treated for a cyst, reach out to the friendly office staff. Schedule an evaluation at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists by phone or online today.