Cyst on my face?!?! hrlp!

I used to get bad acne in high school. Then i started using gentle cleaners and exfoliating scrubs, and the problem vanished. I have clear skin 99% of the time. However, in the last year, i have begun to get these sebaceous cysts on my face. The first one i had lanced immediately, problem solved. Next one just kind of popped on its own and dissipated quickly. Recently though, I got my third one. it grew rapidly over the last several days, about an inch under my right eye. its about the size of a dime. Its fairly deep, and im trying not to pick at it and stuff, but its getting really red and noticeable, and hot compresses are taking forever. Right now, im laid off and without medical insurance, but if i have to, ill have to just go to the doctor and get it lanced again. i REALLY dont want that scar there, nor do i want to spend the money. does anyone else have any ideas? It would be awesome to have it gone fast, i hate people looking at it in classes at college and at work. I know lancing is fast, but its painful, expensive, and scars scars scars. thanks for any tips!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough, but it sounds like folliculitis or boils. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope this helps Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or fi you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[mursame]

no no, its nothing like that. its just a bump under the skin, with no head or anything. just one. however, i put some hydro cortisone on it last night, and now its like half the size. could i go into a dermo and just get cortisone injected into it if the cream isnt strong enough to finish it off?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The other possibility is of a sebaceous cyst. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance called keratin.They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected, Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required.

I hope that helps. Take care and regards.