Sebaceous Cyst inner thigh - longstanding problem

I currently have a black/grey bump in inner thigh (approx 1 inch from groin) since Oct 2009. Have been on numerous courses of Flucloxacillin, have also had minimal excision done in local doctors office in May 2010 after regularly becoming infected/inflamed. The lump removed was sent off to Histopathology, where the results came back as a confirmed Sebaceous cyst. Since excision the Cyst has recurred along and around the excision scar, doctor doesnt think he got it all out. I now have a large grey area under the skin (about 5cm x 4 cm) I have now been referred to a surgeon. The problem is it swells up and drains purple creamy stuff WEEKLY and is extremely painful. It seems to drain from TWO points on top of the skin. When it drains leaves 2 big holes in my leg which takes a few days to heal. Within a couple of days of the drainage stopping, the whole process starts again, the cyst is draining approximately every 7/8 days. Can still feel the cyst under the skin (when its not too painful to touch). Is there anything i can use to make the drainage/swelling LESS painful? I understand that they can only excise when not inflamed, however, my cyst is either ALWAYS draining or swelling up :( Please advise, im at my wits end.

I am awaiting the date of the referral, just wondering if there is anything i can do to try and ease the weekly pain.

Many thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For sebaceous cysts, generally no treatment is required but if 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.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[simonjd1974]

Thanks Dr Kaur,

As i said above, ive already had an excision that has left an unsightly scar.

The cyst has returned underneath the scar, as i can feel it. It is only a small ball like shape about the size of half a grape. However, i now have an area of skin approx 4cm x 3cm (this includes the scar line) that is really dark in colour, like grey/black. The incision wound itself is red.

I know the cyst ruptures regularly, would this grey/black area of skin be caused by the
leakage of material under the skin?

thanks.
I am having consultation with surgeon on 26th August.