Cyst

What’s a Cyst?

A cyst is a common skin condition characterised by a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material. Cysts can appear anywhere on the skin and may feel like large peas under the surface of the skin. They are typically noncancerous and can vary in size, appearing due to various factors affecting the skin.

Types of Cysts

Cysts come in various forms, each differing by their origin, content, and location on the body:

• Epidermoid Cysts (Sebaceous Cysts): Commonly found on the skin of the face, neck, chest, and back. These cysts develop from skin cells and are often filled with keratin.
• Pilar Cysts (Trichilemmal Cysts): Typically located on the scalp, these cysts arise from hair follicles and are smooth and filled with keratin.
• Ganglion Cysts: These are most often seen around the joints and tendons, particularly in the wrists and hands. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid.
• Chalazia (Meibomian Cyst): Occurring on the eyelid, these are caused by blocked oil glands.
• Baker’s Cysts (Popliteal Cysts): Found behind the knee, these cysts contain fluid that builds up from knee joint conditions.
• Bartholin’s Cysts: These occur at the Bartholin gland located in the vaginal area and can become infected.
• Dermoid Cysts: Present from birth, these can contain skin and hair cells and are usually found on the face, neck, or scalp.
• Ovarian Cysts: These develop on a woman’s ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle and are typically harmless.
• Breast Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast, often benign and fluctuating with menstrual cycles.
• Pilonidal Cysts: Located near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks, these often contain hair and skin debris.
• Hydatid Cysts: Caused by a parasitic infection with Echinococcus granulosus, these are most commonly found in the liver and lungs.
• Cystic Acne: Deep, inflamed breakouts filled with pus, predominantly on the face, chest, and back.

Each type of cyst has unique characteristics and potential complications, making it essential to receive a professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment. At Pulse Light Clinic, our expert team is equipped with the knowledge and technology to offer effective treatment options tailored to the specific type of cyst and individual patient needs.

What Causes a Cyst?

Cysts can develop for various reasons, including clogged oil glands, infections, and the overproduction of sebum. They can also be caused by skin trauma, which introduces bacteria into the deeper layers of the skin, creating a pocket of infection.

Differences between Cyst, Lipoma, Mole, and Warts

Understanding the difference between cysts, lipomas, moles, and warts is crucial for appropriate treatment:

• Cysts are closed pockets containing fluid or semi-fluid material, often causing a dome-shaped elevation.
• Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps under the skin resulting from an overgrowth of fat cells.
• Moles are skin growths composed of pigment cells and are usually brown or black.
• Warts are rough, raised bumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and treatments, emphasising the importance of professional diagnosis.

Treatments for Cyst Removal at Pulse Light Clinic

At Pulse Light Clinic, we offer a variety of effective cyst removal treatments:

• Surgical Excision: Removing the cyst entirely under local anaesthesia.
• Laser Therapy: Utilising laser technology to reduce the size and remove smaller cysts.
• Cryotherapy: Applying extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.

Our treatments are minimally invasive, aiming to reduce recovery time and improve cosmetic outcomes.

Aftercare for Cyst Removal

Post-treatment care is crucial for healing and preventing infection. Aftercare typically includes:

• Keeping the area clean and dry.
• Applying prescribed ointments to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen to protect the skin.

Following our expert guidance will ensure a smooth recovery and minimise the chances of recurrence.