SEBACEOUS CYST (Epidermoid Cyst; Wen) |
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SEBACEOUS CYST (Epidermoid Cyst; Wen)
DESCRIPTIONA sebaceous cyst is a dome-shaped cyst filled with semisolid material (keratin, the same material that forms skin, hair, and nails). The name sebaceous cyst is in error, because a real sebaceous cyst would be filled with material called sebum and manufactured in hair follicles. The skin of the trunk, face, neck, and scalp is involved. Sebaceous cysts can affect both sexes, all ages, but are most common in adolescents.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove the cyst (sometimes).
-- A small cyst can be removed through a simple incision, but rupture of the cyst--and corresponding incomplete removal--frequently results in recurrence.
-- A large cyst does better if incised and drained in an initial procedure, with removal of the complete cyst at another time.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A cyst with the following characteristics:
The cyst has sloped shoulders or a dome-shaped, nodular appearance and a smooth surface.
The cyst is whitish or skin-colored.
Cysts range from 1cm to 4cm in diameter.
If the cyst becomes injured or infected, it may become bright red and painful.
CAUSES
Sebaceous cysts are caused by plugged ducts in malformed hair follicles. They may enlarge from hormonal stimulation or injury.
RISK FACTORS
Skin injury.
Hormonal stimulation at puberty.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCECannot be prevented at present.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection of a cyst.
Injury to a cyst, causing rupture or inflammation.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Cysts that cause no symptoms to your child require no medical treatment. Those that are unsightly or are repeatedly injured can be removed.
Infected cysts may require incision, drainage, and packing with gauze.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREBefore surgery, apply warm compresses to your child's cyst to reduce inflammation and size.
MEDICATION
Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder. If your child's cyst becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child can resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
After removal, signs of infection (pain, redness, warmth, and increased tenderness) occur at the surgical site.
Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher develops.
The treated area does not appear to be healing well within 1 week.
Your child is taking antibiotics, and new, unexplained symptoms develop. Antibiotics may produce side effects.
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