Sebaceous cyst
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A sebaceous cyst (more accurately, an epidermal inclusion cyst) is a benign, slow-growing lump under the skin, usually filled with keratin. It typically feels like a small movable nodule on the face, scalp, neck, back or behind the ears. Most don't need treatment, but recurrent infection, growth, cosmetic concern or location-related discomfort are reasons to remove — a 30–45 minute in-clinic procedure under local anaesthesia.
The term "sebaceous cyst" is medically imprecise — most cysts patients call sebaceous are actually epidermal inclusion cysts (skin-cell debris and keratin trapped in a thin sac). True sebaceous cysts (filled with sebum) are rarer.
Either way, they're benign, slow-growing and usually harmless. The decision to remove or leave alone comes down to whether it's causing problems — repeated infections, visible cosmetic concern, friction with clothing, or simply patient preference. Removal is a small clinic procedure with very little downtime.
How sebaceous cysts present
- Round, smooth nodule under the skin, movable when pushed
- Size typically 0.5–5 cm; some grow larger over years
- A small central pore or punctum sometimes visible
- Common locations: face, behind ears, scalp, neck, upper back, chest
- Painless unless infected or ruptured
- Occasional discharge — cheesy, foul-smelling keratin material
- Tender, red, swollen if secondarily infected
What causes them
- Trapped skin cells producing keratin within a sealed sac
- Damage to a hair follicle or sebaceous gland duct
- Common after acne, minor trauma or surgical scars
- Genetic predisposition — multiple cysts in some patients (Gardner's syndrome rarely)
- Not caused by hygiene or by squeezing pimples
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if a lump is growing, has been infected once or more, is in a cosmetically visible location, is rubbing on clothing or jewellery, or if you simply want it removed. Also see one for any lump that is rapidly growing, hard, fixed to deeper tissues or accompanied by other symptoms — those need ruling out for less common causes.
How sebaceous cyst is treated at SkinWise
The standard treatment is in-clinic surgical excision under local anaesthesia. We remove the cyst with its sac wall — if any of the wall is left, the cyst regrows. The procedure takes 30–45 minutes, leaves a small scar (placed in a skin crease where possible) and heals over 2–4 weeks. Infected cysts may need a course of antibiotics or drainage first; we excise once the infection has settled.
Services that treat sebaceous cyst
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Frequently asked questions
Will the cyst come back if removed?
Recurrence is rare if the entire sac wall is excised. The most common reason for recurrence is incomplete removal — usually because the cyst was drained rather than excised. Done properly, the same cyst doesn't return.
Can I just pop it at home?
Strongly not recommended. Home squeezing typically ruptures the sac, drives keratin material into surrounding tissue, and either makes the cyst regrow larger or causes a painful infection. Excision is a small clinic procedure — wait for that instead.
Is excision painful?
Local anaesthesia is given before the procedure, so you'll feel pressure but no pain during. Mild tenderness for 2–3 days after is normal; over-the-counter analgesia is usually enough. We'll review at one week to check healing.
Will there be a scar?
Yes, but it's usually small and placed along a skin tension line so it's discreet. Final scar appearance settles over 6–12 months. For facial cysts we plan the incision carefully; for body cysts the scar isn't usually a cosmetic concern.
Ready to start with a consult?
A focused 15-minute first consultation is where we slow down, map your concern and build the smallest plan that will actually move the needle. No oversell, no fixed menu.