If you discover a sebaceous or pilar cyst, don’t think about lancing it yourself at home. It’s vital to seek appropriate and expert medical assessment and treatment. Here’s what you should do and why self-lancing is not recommended:
- Seek Medical Evaluation. Upon discovering a cyst, schedule an appointment with a skin specialist for evaluation. They will examine the cyst to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action. They can explain the nature of the cyst, discuss treatment options, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Your overall medical history can be reviewed to identify any underlying conditions or factors contributing to the cyst and address them as part of your treatment plan.
- Professional Treatment Options. Treatment will depend on the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst. Your skin specialist may recommend watchful waiting, drainage procedures, or surgical removal. They will select the most suitable approach to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.
- Don’t Delay Proper Treatment. Delaying professional evaluation and treatment can allow the cyst to grow larger, become more uncomfortable, or increase the risk of complications.
Risks of DIY cyst lancing
Attempting to lance or drain a cyst at home can lead to infection, scarring, and other complications. Healthcare providers have the necessary expertise, sterile equipment, and techniques to perform procedures safely and effectively, reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
- Risk of Infection. Piercing the skin with non-sterile instruments or unclean hands can introduce bacteria into the cyst, leading to infection. Infections can cause pain, swelling, redness, and may require antibiotic treatment to resolve.
- Incomplete Drainage. Without proper knowledge and technique, self-lancing may fail to completely drain the cyst. Partial drainage can lead to recurrence or persistence of the cyst, necessitating further medical intervention.
- Scarring. Improper lancing techniques can result in tissue damage and scarring. Visible scarring may be permanent and cosmetically undesirable, particularly if the cyst is located on a visible area of the body.
- Damage to Surrounding Tissues. Inadequate precision in lancing can cause damage to surrounding tissues, including blood vessels and nerves. This can lead to pain, bleeding, and potential complications requiring medical attention.
- Exacerbation of Symptoms. Amateur attempts to lance a cyst may exacerbate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Aggravating the cyst can lead to increased swelling and tenderness, making the condition more challenging to manage.
- Delayed Proper Treatment. Self-treatment may delay seeking appropriate medical care, allowing the cyst to worsen or become infected. Delaying professional evaluation and treatment can complicate management and prolong recovery time.
Attempting to lance a sebaceous or pilar cyst on your own can lead to infection, scarring, incomplete drainage, and other complications. It is essential to seek expert assessment and treatment by a skin specialist to ensure safe and effective management of the cyst and minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.