When to Call Your Dermatologist for a Skin Cyst

Patient showing Cosmetologist problem area on her leg. Horizontal shot.

Cysts are normally more of an annoyance than a medical problem. However, there are some instances in which you should consult with your dermatologist about a cyst since some of them won’t go away on their own. When this occurs, your dermatologist may remove it surgically using local anesthesia. How can you tell the difference between a cyst that will get better on its own and one that needs treatment? Here are some signs that you should call your dermatologist about a cyst.

The cyst is painful.

Skin cysts that are likely to go away on their own usually aren’t painful at all. Generally, you won’t even know they are there until you accidentally touch them and feel the bump. However, some cysts grow painful, and when this happens, it’s time to call your dermatologist. Pain can be an indication that the cyst is infected, in which case it won’t go away unless your dermatologist either drains it and injects the area with medication or surgically removes it.

The cyst is red and irritated.

This is another sign that the cyst is infected. The problem with an infected cyst is that it won’t go away without intervention. Typically, an infected cyst grows a wall of cells around it under the skin that makes it impenetrable, so a dermatologist needs to drain the infected area and remove the cyst wall. Without treatment, it will continue to grow and worsen.

The cyst isn’t going away.

Sometimes, cysts don’t hurt or look red and angry but still won’t go away. When this happens, it is best to let a dermatologist evaluate it. Allowing a cyst to hang around indefinitely, even if it is harmless, increases the risk that it will become infected.

Are you worried about a cyst or other skin issue in Salt Lake City? Get a definitive diagnosis and the treatment you need by making an appointment at Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology. You can schedule a visit with a dermatologist by calling 801-266-8841.