Sebaceous cysts are tumor-like subcutaneous formations. These formations are benign and practically do not carry any threat. It is worth surviving in case of tumor growth or inflammatory processes in the area of the appearance of this defect. However, often among the causes of dissatisfaction with the appearance of a cyst is discomfort experienced by a person if this formation appears on the face or other noticeable areas of the body. From this article you will receive information about the causes of the formation of sebaceous cysts and methods of treating this disease.
Features of the sebaceous gland
Before considering the question of a cyst, let's figure out what is the sebaceous gland? The sebaceous gland is responsible for covering the surface of human skin and hair with fat. These glands are found in almost all parts of the body. Depending on where they are located on the skin, they have a difference in size and structure.
The work of the sebaceous gland is to develop a special secret, which, being excreted through the ducts, provides lubrication of the skin and hair with fat. If the ducts of the sebaceous gland are clogged and the secreted secretion does not go out, but accumulates in the epidermis, an atheroma, a sebaceous cyst, appears in a person.
Atheroma: what is it?
Atheroma, or cyst, is a neoplasm that occurs in one of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. Usually it has a rounded shape and occurs in those places of the body where there is an accumulation of sebaceous glands. A sebaceous cyst can be compared to a closed sac that forms under the skin. This “bag” is filled with keratin - a substance resembling cheese.
Among the places of abundant accumulation of sebaceous glands, it is worth noting the face, ears, scalp, the space between the shoulder blades, the back of the neck, armpits, scrotum and labia. Very often, a sebaceous gland cyst on the head appears at the places where the hairline is located, sometimes this leads to hair loss.
The composition of the cyst includes the epithelium and sebum, that is, a fatty substance. Atheroma is not always manifested as a single formation, often doctors record multiple rashes. In medical practice, there is the term "atheromatosis" - the appearance of multiple benign formations (atheroma).
Causes of occurrence
At risk are people who have oily hair and skin types. Both women and men are equally susceptible to this disease. A cyst of the sebaceous gland of the skin can also appear in adolescents, because during puberty, the sebaceous glands work with a vengeance. The accumulation of fat and bacteria is a fertile ground for the development of atheroma.
Among the most common causes of sebaceous cysts should be noted:
1. Genetic diseases and heredity.
2. The origin of pathology during intrauterine development of the fetus (instead of cells that are designed to form nails, hair and skin, other neoplasms are formed).
3. Rupture or damage to the sebaceous gland .
4. Rupture of the hair follicle .
5. Increased sweating due to hormonal disruptions.
6. Fatty seborrhea.
7. Acne .
8. Long exposure to the sun provokes the appearance of atheroma on the face.
9. Damage to the skin.
Symptoms of the disease
Cysts of the sebaceous glands, the photos of which are not for the faint of heart, are spherical tumors with absolutely exactly outlined contours. Atheroma can be called a mobile formation, which has a dense consistency.
If you carefully examine this benign tumor, then in its center you can see a small dark little dot - this is a blockage of the outlet of the duct of the gland.
The color of the cyst rarely differs from the color of the skin. But sometimes they come in a reddish, yellowish, or white hue.
Atheromas, if they grow, are very slow. They come in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. According to statistics, one in ten people has a cyst of the sebaceous glands. Most often, it forms on the head: most of all - in the scalp, less often there is a cyst of the sebaceous glands on the forehead. People after 40 years are more likely to neoplasms than youth.
Diagnostics
Having previously examined the neoplasm and fixed clear contours, a rounded shape, a black dot (a blocked duct) and the absence of any painful sensations, you should still consult a doctor. You can only make an accurate diagnosis in a hospital.
It should be noted that the cyst is very similar to a lipoma, and sometimes it can degenerate into a malignant tumor. Therefore, in order to exclude all risk factors and make sure the diagnosis, histological and morphological studies should be done.
Disease prevention
Among preventive measures, personal hygiene occupies a special place. Body care, keeping it clean are the best ways to prevent the appearance of a sebaceous gland cyst.
A person who takes a bath or shower every day, uses antibacterial soap, can be sure of his health. It is important to take time to wash your back while bathing.
Prevention of the appearance of atheroma on the face will be cosmetic procedures aimed at cleansing pores. These measures include cosmetic massage, steam baths, masks.
The use of special shampoos will reduce the sebum of the scalp.
In addition to hygiene, a change in diet will also be effective, where preference will be given to low-fat food.
Sometimes the appearance of atheromas contributes to a malfunction in the endocrine system of the human body. The consultation with the endocrinologist is important here.
Cyst: remove or leave?
If the cyst is small in size, does not grow, does not bother from either an aesthetic or biological point of view, then such an education does not need treatment. However, if a person has a cyst of the sebaceous gland on his face or if it began to grow, and worst of all, there is discomfort or pain, you should seek help from specialists.
Doctors advise to remove any formation in order to exclude complications. Outgrowths can fester, swell and grow in size. A cyst that has festered can burst on its own, and this is fraught with the appearance of a very unpleasant odor. Therefore, before deciding whether to remove the cyst or leave it, consult your doctor.
The most radical treatment
All doctors - cosmetologists, dermatologists, surgeons - consider removal the only right and most radical way to treat atheroma . A cyst is a neoplasm that does not resolve. It can only break through, and in this case, the patient is threatened with sepsis, because its contents can leak into the subcutaneous tissue.
If a person has a cyst of sebaceous glands, the treatment of large tumors is performed by surgical intervention. In this case, the operation is done with a scalpel, stitches are put in place of the incision. The cyst is opened, the entire contents are removed and treated with medications.
If suppuration has occurred
Suppuration is an occasion to immediately perform an operation. The abscess is opened and drained.
An emergency operation does not have a very good cosmetic effect. The cuts made during the removal of pus, the doctors do not sew, they heal like that. In this case, the formation of a rough scar is possible.
It must be remembered that the pus that appears on the site of the cyst often interferes with the complete removal of the formation. This is fraught with relapse - a repeated revival of cystic formation. There is one conclusion from this: timely access to doctors is the key to successful elimination of sebaceous cysts.
Other removal methods
Medicine is constantly evolving; methods of treating patients are improving. Modern methods of conducting operations are safe, very effective and have virtually no postoperative complications. Such methods include laser removal and exposure to the cyst with radio waves.
The first method is used only if a person has a small cyst and there is completely no inflammation. This method eliminates the formation of scars and scars. This is an ideal way to remove cysts located in prominent areas of the body, especially on the face.
Removal of the sebaceous gland cyst with the help of radio waves allows with great accuracy to affect the affected area of the body. After using this method, neither scars nor scars remain either. The cyst seems to “evaporate” and disappear.
The advantage of radio wave and laser methods
If the patient has an advanced form of atheroma - accumulation of pus or inflammation, unfortunately, you will have to resort to a surgical method of removal. If these negative signs of the disease are absent, it is still better to remove the cyst by the above methods.
Firstly, these methods have a good effect in terms of the cosmetic side of the operation, and secondly, there is a 100% guarantee that re-formation will never again occur in the remote area. If you have to remove the cyst on the part of the head where the hair is, they do not need to be shaved off before surgery.
The procedure consists of removing the neoplasm together with the capsule and completely eliminates the possibility of even a microscopic piece of wen remaining. It is known that the smallest piece of deformed tissue left behind can cause relapse and re-formation of a cyst.
It is important to histologically examine the removed tissue!
The disability of a person who underwent surgery to remove a cyst with a laser method or using radio waves is restored after a couple of days. Healing takes place as quickly as possible. Well, the main plus - no inpatient treatment.
Alternative methods of treatment
Although official medicine does not accept recovery using traditional medicine methods, there are still recipes that can significantly facilitate the course of this disease. The main thing is to remember that in this case there is nothing to rely on an instant result.
Self- treatment of sebaceous cysts is completely contraindicated! This can cause infection of the skin tissue. You can resort to traditional medicine methods only after consulting with your doctor. Do not forget about it.
Among the effective methods can be identified:
- Compresses from coltsfoot leaves. Fresh sheets of this plant should be applied to the cyst and secured with a bandage or patch. Compress change every day.
- Lotions from a decoction of burdock roots. Burdock root, boil, filter and use after cooling.
- Compresses from baked onions and laundry soap. In this case, the ingredients are grated and mixed, turning into a mushy mixture. The applied dressing is changed a couple of times a day.