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Does a PILAR CYST of the scalp often show up acutely or quickly?

I believe i have a pilar cyst on my scalp...  Can these really come acutely - or within one day?  
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Avatar universal
Actually, I have just undergone a pilar cyst surgery. Firstly, the doctor would inject several doses of anaesthesia (depending on the size of the cyst). Then, he would use a doctors' punch and make a hole on top of the cyst. Next, he would use a scissors to cut open the cyst and squeeze the fatty material or dead hair material out of the cyst (Most of the time, the material that comes out of the cyst is fatty material). Lastly, he would do a few stiches on the operated cyst. For me, it was only 4 stiches. Anyway, it depends on the size of the wounded part.

You do not have to worry, because usually it takes like up to 7-8 mins for the operation to be completed.

The stiches would break off after 2 weeks or so. If it doesn't, please consult the doctor to request for him to help remove the stiches on your operated part.

DOs:
1) Get more rest.
2) Consume more nutritional food and fruits.
3) Stay in cool or air-conditioned places most of the time.

DON'Ts
1) Go to the swimming complex. (It will make your wound even worse.)
2) No vigorous exercise. (It will make your wound break if you do such exercises.)
3) Eat slow-recovery foods like prawns etc.

Take care and you'll be fine with a speedy recovery.
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Avatar universal
you really need to get it removed, i had one for years i stabbed it they dont puncture i squeezed it they dont break, you need to cut it open deep to get it out or squeeze it out, mine finally had a flake on it one day i pulled it and a hole opened it was deep and pilar cysts have no saks just a big white waxy ball with a thing in the middle wich never came out and i gotta have removed, mine was getting so big over years like a gumball size, if you get someone to cut it open at home you can remove it just the same but the doc said whatever is left in mine is attached and he cant get it out so i need a dermatologist, that's the best advice you'll get, find a dermatologist
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Avatar universal
I find it curious that mostly middle-aged women get these in multiples, and... if the follicle is compromised.  I wonder how many of these women color their hair?    Hmmmmmmmm.   Great ideas here, let's keep 'em coming cuz I'm tired of getting scalped everytime I get one removed on my head.   Soon my scalp will be so thin from cutting holes and stitching back together, not to mention a psuedo-facelift gone saggy.  No more invasive surgeries, please.
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Avatar universal
Put a heating pad on the cyst for 10 minutes a day for about a week or so.  The heat will help the matter in the cyst reabsorb into the skin without having to pop it or have surgery which may lead to infection.
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Avatar universal
pop it.  if it refuses to pop, puncture it with a sewing needle.  it's fun to watch the pus and grit (from older cysts) come out---smells great too.

i've been to the doctor with these and both general surgeon and dermatologist and refuse to remove them.  it's more of a cosmetic issue.  so i take matters into my own hand and get rid of them myself.

if you squeeze enough, the sac itself will excise.
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174515 tn?1191707269
you need to see a doctor. i wish i could do more for you, but online without visually seeing things it is limited. i feel like i keep answering the same question, so if that one issue is so taxing on you, it is really in your best interest to be seen.

i hope you get better soon and good luck.
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Avatar universal
but what if i did not have the beginning of one for a while?  could a quarter sized one come in one day?
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174515 tn?1191707269
Pilar cyst (trichilemmal cyst) -
Pilar cysts are smooth cysts without a punctum, usually found on the scalp. They may be multiple and familial.

What is Pilar Cysts?
Pilar cysts form as hair follicle below the skin and it is derived from outer root sheath which is consists of sebum. These cysts may occur on any part of the body like ears, scalp, face etc except hands and soles. It is mostly occur to the middle aged woman.

Causes of Pilar Cysts
Blockage and swollen may cause to pilar cysts.
Large production of excessive testosterone may create these cysts.
Inherited cysts can be a reason of occurrence of this disease.
These cysts can occur after inflammation of hair follicle .
Children of affected parent with this disease may also affected with these cysts.
Injury to the skin can also be a reason for this disease.
They may occur when lining of hair follicle is changed.
Symptoms of Pilar Cysts
These cysts are smooth round shape, may occur at any part of the skin but mostly on the scalp.
If they are infected may become red and painful.
cheesy foul-smelling pus may leak on the skin if it becomes damage.
Some times they can occur on the genital skin or on a nail .
Irritation of cloth rubbing against the cysts.
They are small but can become large in size after some months.
A horn may occur over the cysts.
Treatment of Pilar Cysts
These cysts are harmless and therefore it can easily make left alone.
Antibiotic like cloxacillin or erythromycin may be useful when cysts are infected.
It can remove by local anaesthetic but it can leave scars.


yes it can happen quickly as i told you on your previous post. you probably had the beginnings of one and did not notice it until it got tender and inflamed
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