Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin. Although usually harmless, cysts can be painful and annoying. Generally, you can remove the cyst through a medical procedure with the help of a doctor depending on the type of cyst.
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Method 1 of 4: Treating Facial Cysts
Step 1. Determine if medical intervention is necessary
Facial cysts, medically called sebaceous cysts, can be annoying and unsightly, but they don't always require medical intervention. If the cyst is not painful, it's best to leave it alone to avoid complications after the cyst is removed. However, you should see a doctor if a cyst develops:
- Facial cysts are usually small, round lumps under the skin. It is usually black, reddish or yellowish in color, and occasionally emits a foul-smelling discharge. Cysts are generally more painful than other skin problems, such as acne.
- If the cyst ruptures, it can lead to a potentially dangerous scald-like infection. Thus, proper treatment and procedures for cyst removal are required.
- If the cyst suddenly becomes painful and becomes swollen, it may be infected. Visit a doctor to remove the cyst and get the right antibiotics.
- In very rare cases, cysts can cause skin cancer. During your regular annual check-up with your doctor, ask him to look at the cyst and determine if it poses a risk of cancer.
Step 2. Ask the doctor to administer the injection
If the cyst has become infected or is painful, the doctor may inject medicine into the cyst. Although the injection will not completely remove the cyst, it will reduce redness and swelling. This can make the cyst less visible.
Step 3. Ask the doctor to perform the medical procedure of draining the cyst
If the cyst grows significantly or is painful and uncomfortable, you can have it removed through a medical procedure. The cyst can be cut open and drained by a doctor.
- The doctor will make a small incision in the cyst and slowly remove the fluid that is in the cyst. This procedure is fairly quick and usually painless.
- This method has a major drawback in that the cysts often grow back after being cut and drained.
Step 4. Ask about surgery
The only way to completely remove the cyst is through surgery. Talk to your doctor about surgical procedures if you want the cyst removed.
- Cyst removal surgery includes minor surgery. This procedure does not require a long time and the recovery time is relatively short. However, you may have to go back to see your doctor after surgery to remove the stitches postoperatively.
- The surgical procedure is very safe and generally prevents the cyst from reappearing. However, cysts usually do not pose a health threat. Therefore, it may be difficult to perform surgery at a cost covered by insurance.
Method 2 of 4: Treating Baker's Cyst (Knee Joint Cyst)
Step 1. Follow the R. I. C. E. method
A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that forms a bulge at the base of the knee. These cysts are usually the result of a previous knee injury or a chronic health problem such as arthritis. Treating joints using the R. I. C. E. can help.
- R. I. C. E. stands for Resting your leg (resting the leg), Icing your knee (applying ice to the knee), Compressing your knee with a wrap (compressing the knee using a bandage), and Elevating your leg whenever possible (elevating the leg if possible).
- Rest your foot, preferably in an elevated position, when the cyst appears. Never place an ice pack directly on the body. Always wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel first.
- If you want to bandage your feet, buy a sanitary napkin at a drug store and follow the directions on the package. If you have a health problem that puts you at risk for blood clots, don't bandage your feet without consulting your doctor first.
- R. I. C. E. can overcome joint pain that occurs due to cysts that appear. The size of the cyst can be reduced and it is no longer painful.
- Try over-the-counter pain relievers. While the leg is rested in an elevated position, medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can help relieve pain.
Step 2. Ask the doctor to drain the contents of the cyst
In order for the cyst to be removed, you will need a doctor to drain it. If the Baker's cyst is not successfully removed by the R. I. C. E. method, talk to your doctor about having it removed through a medical procedure.
- The fluid will be drained from the knee using a needle. Although this procedure is not very painful, many people feel that it can trigger anxiety. If you are afraid of needles, have a friend or family member accompany you for support.
- After the doctor removes the fluid, the Baker's cyst will disappear. However, it is possible that the cyst will reappear. Talk to your doctor about any health problems you have that could be causing the cyst to appear.
Step 3. Engage in physical therapy
After the cyst is drained, your doctor may recommend regular physical therapy. Slow movements, guided by a trained therapist, can help get your joints back in shape. Physical therapy can also help with health problems that may cause the cyst to reappear. Ask your doctor for recommendations from a physical therapist after your cyst has been drained.
Method 3 of 4: Overcoming Ovarian Cyst
Step 1. Watch and wait
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the ovary. Unfortunately, ovarian cysts may be difficult to remove. The best approach after the initial diagnosis is to watch and wait.
- Some ovarian cysts go away on their own. Your doctor may ask you to wait and then get yourself checked again after a few months.
- The doctor will monitor the cyst regularly to see if there is a change in the size of the cyst. After reaching a certain threshold, medical intervention may be required.
Step 2. Ask about birth control pills
Birth control pills are usually the first step to shrink ovarian cysts. Ask your doctor for a prescription for hormonal birth control pills.
- Hormonal birth control pills can reduce the size of the cyst and prevent the cyst from developing further. Birth control pills also lower the risk of ovarian cancer, especially if you take them for a long time.
- Birth control pills are available in a variety of formulations and dosing schedules. Some birth control pills cause monthly periods, and others cause less frequent periods. Some birth control pills contain iron supplements, and not other birth control pills. It's important to talk to your primary care provider to discuss birth control pill options that match your lifestyle, goals, medical history and overall health.
- Some women experience side effects such as breast tenderness, mood swings, or bleeding outside of their period when they start taking hormonal birth control pills for the first time. These side effects usually subside after a few months.
Step 3. Consider having surgery
Ovarian cysts are likely to be painful and even dangerous if they continue to grow. If your cyst doesn't go away on its own, your doctor may suggest surgery.
- If the cyst continues to appear after two or three menstrual cycles, your doctor may recommend surgical removal if the cyst is growing at an excessive rate. Enlarged cysts can cause pain and irregular periods.
- In some surgeries, the entire infected ovary is removed. However, in most cases the doctor will be able to remove the cyst and leave the ovary intact. In rare cases, the cyst is malignant. If this happens, your doctor may remove all of your reproductive organs.
Step 4. Have regular pelvic exams
Prevention is the best course of action for ovarian cysts. Have regular gynecological checkups and be aware of any changes in your menstrual cycle. The sooner an ovarian cyst is detected, the easier it will be for you to treat. Routine pelvic exams can detect signs of abnormalities that may be caused by ovarian cysts.
Method 4 of 4: Treating Pilonidal Cysts
Step 1. Remove the hair follicles causing the cyst
Pilonidal cysts are cysts that appear in the buttocks or lower back. These cysts may be tender and warm to the touch, and may produce pus or other fluid. To stop the growth of the cyst, keep the area around it clean and dry. Pilonidal cysts are usually caused by ingrown hairs, which are hairs trapped under the surface of the skin. Remove any hair follicles near the cyst to prevent them from growing into the skin.
Step 2. Examine the cyst
Because pilonidal cysts can cause serious infections, you should always have them checked by a medical professional. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a pilonidal cyst growing.
- Generally, the doctor will do a brief physical examination and look at the cyst. The doctor will also ask about any discharge that you know of, whether the cyst is painful, and how long the cyst has been present.
- The doctor will also ask if you have any other symptoms. If the cyst causes a rash or fever, your doctor will recommend a surgical procedure to remove it. If the cyst is not causing any problems, no treatment is needed.
Step 3. Go through the cyst draining procedure
The least invasive procedure to remove a pilonidal cyst is to cut and drain it. The doctor will make a small hole in the cyst and drain the fluid that is inside. Then the cyst will be wrapped with gauze. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Step 4. Ask about the surgical procedure
Cysts sometimes reappear after the draining procedure. The doctor may suggest a surgical removal procedure. Surgery usually lasts a short time, but the recovery time can be long and you may have an open wound that needs to be cleaned.
Warning
- Do not try to drain the cyst yourself. This can lead to scarring or infection.
- Check for any new cysts at the annual physical exam. Although rare, cysts can be a sign of serious health problems such as cancer.
