What is Epidermal Cyst Removal
Epidermal cyst removal is a procedure to remove a sac of oily material that forms under your skin (epidermal cyst). Epidermal cysts may also be called epidermoid cysts or keratin cysts.
Normally, the skin secretes this oily material through a gland or a hair follicle. This type of cyst usually results when a skin gland or hair follicle becomes blocked.
You may need this procedure if you have an epidermal cyst that becomes large, uncomfortable, or infected.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Developing another cyst.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Scarring.
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask
your health care provider about:
- Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
- Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood.Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
- If you have an infected cyst, you may have to take antibiotic medicines before or after the cyst removal. Take your antibiotics as directed by your health care provider. Finish all of the medicine even if you start to feel better.
- Take a shower on the morning of your procedure. Your health care provider may ask you to use a germ-killing (antiseptic) soap.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be given a medicine that numbs the area (local anesthetic).
- The skin around the cyst will be cleaned with a germ-killing solution (antiseptic).
- Your health care provider will make a small surgical incision over the cyst.
- The cyst will be separated from the surrounding tissues that are under your skin.
- If possible, the cyst will be removed undamaged (intact).
- If the cyst bursts (ruptures), it will need to be removed in pieces.
- After the cyst is removed, your health care provider will control any bleeding and close the incision with small stitches (sutures). Small incisions may not need sutures, and the bleeding will be controlled by applying direct pressure with gauze.
- Your health care provider may apply antibiotic ointment and a light bandage (dressing) over the incision.
This procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- If your cyst ruptured during surgery, you may need to take antibiotic medicine. If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, finish all of it even if you start to feel better.
Epidermal Cyst Removal, Care After
Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, it is common to have:
- Soreness in the area where your cyst was removed.
- Tightness or itching from your skin sutures.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, finish all of it even if you start to feel better.
- Use antibiotic ointment as directed by your health care provider. Follow the instructions carefully.
- There
are many different ways to close and cover an incision, including stitches
(sutures), skin glue, and adhesive strips. Follow your health care
provider’s instructions about:
- Incision care.
- Bandage (dressing) changes and removal.
- Incision closure removal.
- Keep the bandage (dressing) dry until your health care provider says that it can be removed. Take sponge baths only. Ask your health care provider when you can start showering or taking a bath.
- After
your dressing is off, check your incision every day for signs of
infection. Watch for:
- Redness, swelling, or pain.
- Fluid, blood, or pus.
- You can return to your normal activities. Do notdo anything that stretches or puts pressure on your incision.
- You can return to your normal diet.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have a fever.
- Your incision bleeds.
- You have redness, swelling, or pain in the incision area.
- You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your incision.
- Your cyst comes back after surgery.
