Small cyst on my temple...

It's about the size of the tip of a pencil eraser. I have had a derm make a small cut and drain it in June. Paid $200 and now it's back again.

I dont want to have to pay all that much again so I was wondering if anyone might know a way that I can harmlessly do it on my own.

I have read everything from a hot pin and squeeze to a warm cloth 30min 3-4 times per day...

Any other suggestions??? would be greatly appreciated. =)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms this cyst sounds like 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 other than applying warm compresses 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.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.