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Cysts

General Dermatology & Aesthetic Dermatology located in Slidell, Madisonville and Hammond, LA and Picayune, MS

Cysts

Cysts services offered in Slidell, Madisonville and Hammond, LA and Picayune, MS

Cysts that develop on your skin are usually benign. However, if their appearance troubles you or impacts your self-confidence, you can count on the team at Northshore Dermatology for expert cyst removal. They have four locations, with offices in Slidell, Madisonville, Hammond, Louisiana, and Picayune, Mississippi, so you can choose the office nearest you. Call the office to schedule your visit, learn more about your treatment options for skin cysts, or request an appointment online today.

Cysts Q&A

What are skin cysts?

A cyst is a benign growth usually filled with pus or fluid. Cysts can develop anywhere on your skin but are frequently found on your neck, face, or torso. They’re generally small and round bumps. You might notice a small blackhead in the central opening of the cyst. Cysts can become swollen and red if they’re infected.

The most common type of skin cyst is an epidermoid cyst, which develops slowly and is usually painless. Epidermoid cysts don’t typically cause problems, but you could elect to have a growth removed. For example, you may not like the appearance of the cyst, or it may rupture or become infected.

Another type of skin cyst is a sebaceous cyst. They form from your sebaceous glands, which produce sebum — one of the oils that keep your skin moisturized.

What causes cysts to develop on the skin?

Cysts develop when the cells on the surface of your skin move into your skin instead of flaking away as they age and die. You might also grow a cyst if a hair follicle is injured or irritated. As the cyst grows, it fills with keratin cells, which can liquify and turn into pus.

What should I expect during a cyst removal procedure?

The team at Northshore Dermatology uses several techniques to remove cysts, depending on their location and size. They might use an injectable medicine to reduce inflammation and swelling. Or, in other cases, the team makes a small incision in your cyst and gently squeezes out its contents.

The team can also surgically remove your cyst and treat you before your procedure if you have any signs of infection or inflammation. The team of experts has many years of experience performing cyst removal surgeries, limiting your risk of scarring.

They provide you with aftercare instructions to support healing and prevent infection or recurrent cysts. It would be best if you never tried to pop or squeeze a cyst yourself, as this can introduce bacteria into broken skin and lead to serious infections.

If you have a cyst and want to remove it, call Northshore Dermatology to schedule and learn more about your options, or request an appointment online today.