How to Get Rid of Cysts Under the Skin
If you have developed a red or flesh-colored lump under the skin that seems like acne but won't go away, you may have a sebaceous cyst, according to MayoClinic.com in the article "Sebaceous Cysts." Sebaceous cysts grow slowly and usually are not painful, but in some cases, they may become infected.
If you have developed a red or flesh-colored lump under the skin that seems like acne but won't go away, you may have a sebaceous cyst, according to MayoClinic.com in the article "Sebaceous Cysts." Sebaceous cysts grow slowly and usually are not painful, but in some cases, they may become infected. Treatment is not necessary because cysts do not pose a risk to your health, but you may wish to get your cyst removed for cosmetic reasons.
Step 1
Get your cyst injected with a corticosteroid solution by a dermatologist. If the cyst is inflamed but not infected, it may shrink several days after the injection.
Step 2
Take isotretinoin if you are diagnosed with nodular cystic acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Isotretinoin is an oral prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat cystic acne. Take the medication exactly as directed by your dermatologist.
Step 3
Consult your dermatologist about cutting and draining your cyst. Cysts that are filled with fluid may be sliced and drained, but in some cases, the cyst may return, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Consider carbon dioxide laser therapy for cysts on sensitive areas such as the face. During carbon dioxide laser therapy, a dermatologist shines the laser directly on the cyst to completely remove it with minimal scarring.
Step 5
Get the cyst removed completely if other treatments are ineffective. Your doctor may perform a total excision of the cyst by cutting it out of the skin and temporarily placing sutures over the skin to close it. It may take two to three weeks for the skin to heal before your dermatologist removes the sutures. In some cases, scarring may occur.