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Ron Shelton M.D.

#317 East 34th Street,
11th Floor, New York, NY 10016. 

Cysts that appear on the skin are often referred to as sebaceous cysts. More appropriately, most of the growths that develop just beneath the skin are epidermoid cysts. This type of growth is typically not an issue of great concern and does not mean that there is the potential for skin cancer or another type of cancer. There may be, however, reasons that one would want to obtain specific dermatologic care for the elimination of a cyst.

Image result for cyst on skin

Image courtesy Wikipedia

What does a cyst look and feel like?

Cysts beneath the skin may:

  • Develop on the face, neck, or trunk
  • Look like a small round bump
  • Be mistaken as a pimple
  • Appear as a blackhead covering a bump if oil and dirt plug the cyst’s opening
  • Drain a yellow, thick, foul-smelling fluid
  • Produce swelling, redness, and tenderness if inflammation or infection develops

A typical cyst will not cause health problems. It is important to have any growths evaluated, however, in order to accurately determine their type. Dr. Shelton is happy to provide examination to reach the proper diagnosis of skin growths and discuss treatment options with new and existing patients. His office, located in Midtown Manhattan, offers convenient appointment times and friendly, professional care.

Professional evaluation and treatment are especially important for cysts that are a cosmetic problem or are in a location in which irritation commonly occurs due to friction or contact with external objects. Rapidly growing cysts and those that are painful or may be infected should also be seen by an experienced dermatologist.

Treating cysts

Manhattan patients that require the removal of a cyst receive outstanding care from Dr. Ron Shelton. In the dermatology office, there are options for the removal of cysts. Some of the common methods of removal include:

  • Incision and draining, in which a small incision is made in the skin above the cyst. When this is done, any fluid within the cyst is allowed to drain. With slight squeezing, the contents of the cysts should all escape. Dr. Shelton has found from years of experience that inflamed cysts are better treated with very warm compresses until they shrink, then instead of drainage, which doesn’t remove the whole capsule, surgical excision can be done on a smaller cyst.
  • Injection. Some cysts may respond well to the injection of medication which will reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • Minor surgery. In a short in-office procedure, a cyst can be efficiently removed in its entirety after the application of local anesthetic. This treatment option typically prevents the recurrence of a cyst.

 

What's next?

Call your Manhattan dermatologist to discuss treatment options for cysts and other skin concerns.