Tips to treat sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are cysts filled with sebum, fibrous tissues and fluids, keratinous substance resembling cottage cheese; and which has a foot odor smell. They are usually located on the scalp, ears, back, upper arms and face; as well as in hairy areas of the body. In males, they are also common in the scrotum and the chest.

Sebaceous cysts can result from swollen hair follicles, blocked sebaceous glands ( leading to accumulation of sebum) or increase level of testosterone. It can also be hereditary ( Gardner's syndrome, Basal cell Nevus syndrome.

Sebaceous cysts may become infected by hair surrounding the area where they develop, and thus it is important to be able to control and cure it.

Surgical excision is the simplest and most effective procedure, as it helps to get rid of the whole sac and its contents at once. But in order to prevent infection and avoid inadequate scarring, here are some few tips one can use, for its own benefits:

• Never manipulate the lump: do not scratch it, squeeze it or compress it.
• While showering, wash the lump area with antibiotic soap in order to maintain it clean.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure: it can burn the lump and irritate it
• 4 times a day, apply warm washclothes to the lump for 20 minutes, it helps relaxing it.
• Also, it is said that the use of oil-free skin care products can help prevent milia ( keratin-filled cysts also called milk spots)