Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Symptoms & When to Get It Removed

Sebaceous cysts are one of the most common skin lumps seen in daily practice. Although they look worrying at first, most are harmless — but they can become painful or infected if ignored. Here’s a simple guide for patients to understand what they are, why they form, and when treatment is needed.

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A sebaceous cyst is a small, round, painless lump under the skin. It forms when the oil-producing gland (sebaceous gland) or hair follicle gets blocked. This traps keratin and sebum inside, creating a soft, mobile swelling. They are benign, non-cancerous, and usually slow-growing.

Common locations: Scalp, Face, Neck, Back, Chest, Genital area

Why Do Sebaceous Cysts Form?

Several reasons can cause the gland to get blocked:

• Oily skin or acne-prone skin

• Skin injury or trauma

• Hormonal changes

• Genetic tendency (runs in families for some)

• Swelling of hair follicles

They are NOT caused by poor hygiene.

How Do Sebaceous Cysts Look?

Key features include:

• Smooth, round lump under the skin

• Usually painless

• Moves slightly when touched

• Sometimes has a visible central black dot (the blocked pore)

• Size can vary from a pea to several centimeters

When infected, the cyst becomes:

• Red

• Warm

• Painful

• Filled with pus

• May burst spontaneously

Do Sebaceous Cysts Need Treatment?

Not always. Small, painless cysts can be left alone.

However, you should seek treatment if:

• The cyst is increasing in size

• It becomes painful or infected

• It’s located on the scalp and interferes with combing

• It causes cosmetic concerns

• It keeps recurring

Treatment Options

1. Medical Treatment (for Infection)

If the cyst is infected, your doctor may prescribe:

• Oral antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Warm compresses

However, medicines cannot remove the cyst wall — so recurrences are common without surgery.

2. Surgical Removal (Definitive Treatment)

This is a minor, safe, daycare procedure done under local anaesthesia. The cyst, along with its wall, is removed through a tiny skin incision. Advantages:

• Quick (10–15 minutes)

• Painless

• Minimal scar

• Prevents recurrence

If the cyst is infected, drainage may be done first, with removal scheduled later.

Home Remedies: Do They Work?

Warm compresses can ease pain temporarily, but they do NOT remove the cyst. Avoid:

• Squeezing

• Popping

• Needle puncture at home

This can cause infection or scarring.

Can Sebaceous Cysts Turn Cancerous?

Very rarely. Over 99% remain benign. But if a cyst:

• Grows rapidly

• Looks irregular

• Becomes unusually hard…a doctor should evaluate it.

Takeaway

Sebaceous cysts are common and usually harmless, but they can become uncomfortable if infected or large. Early evaluation and simple surgical removal offer a permanent solution with minimal downtime.

If you notice a painless lump under the skin that's growing or bothering you, it’s best to get it checked.