cysts on my head

[msharabi]

I have multiple cysts on my head, 9 of them. The doctor/surgeon said he had to put me under with anesthesia, and shave my head to remove them. Is this really necessary?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst below the surface of the skin and fills with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.Then antibiotics are needed. They may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites 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.I agree with the doctors that anaesthesia maybe local maybe required,but I don’t think shaving the head is very essentialThe doctor may be saying it so as there is no chance for infection after the procedure.You can however talk to the doctor and get yourself prescribed antiobiotics after the procedure.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Star2000dancer]

  I had that twice.  1st one small one then in 12 hours 9 of them some as big as an egg. After many specialists, i got to an eye ,ear & nose specialist.  It was an infected hair follicle.  Gave me antibotics & they went away in a few days
     The 2nd time I had saved the bottle, went to ER & some intern  ran out and was scheduling me for emergency surgery.  I ran out the door.