Sebaceous cysts – are tumor-like subcutaneous formations. These formations are benign and practically do not pose any threat. It is worth worrying about in case of tumor growth or inflammatory processes in the area of the appearance of this defect. However, often among the reasons for dissatisfaction with the appearance of a cyst is the discomfort experienced by a person if this formation appears on the face or other noticeable areas of the body. From this article you will get information about the causes of the formation of a sebaceous cyst and how to treat this disease.
Features of the sebaceous gland
Before considering the issue of a cyst, let's figure out what the sebaceous gland is? The sebaceous gland is responsible for covering the surface of human skin and hair with oil. These glands are found in almost all parts of the body. Depending on where on the skin they are located, 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 andthe secreted secret does not go outside, but accumulates in the epidermis, atheroma appears in a person - a sebaceous gland cyst.
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 parts of the body where the accumulation of sebaceous glands is located. A sebaceous cyst can be compared to a closed sac that forms under the skin. This "pouch" is filled with keratin, a substance that resembles cheese.
Among the places of abundant accumulation of sebaceous glands, it is worth noting the face, ears, scalp, the place between the shoulder blades, the back of the neck, the armpits, the scrotum and the labia. Very often, a sebaceous gland cyst on the head appears in places where the hairline is located, sometimes this leads to hair loss.
The composition of the cyst includes epithelium and sebum, that is, a fatty substance. Not always atheroma manifests itself as a single formation, doctors often fix multiple rashes. In medical practice, there is the term "atheromatosis" - the appearance of multiple benign formations (atheromas).
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 fertile ground for the development of atheroma.
Among the mostcommon causes of sebaceous cysts should be noted:
1. Genetic diseases and heredity.
2. The onset of pathology during the intrauterine development of the fetus (instead of cells that are designed to form nails, hair and skin, other neoplasms form).
3. Rupture or damage to the sebaceous gland.
4. Rupture of the hair follicle.
5. Excessive sweating due to hormonal disruptions.
6. Oily seborrhea.
7. Acne.
8. Prolonged exposure to the sun provokes the appearance of atheroma on the face.
9. Damage to the skin.
Symptoms of disease
Sebaceous gland cysts, photos of which - are not for the faint of heart, are spherical tumors with absolutely evenly defined contours. Atheroma can be called a mobile formation that has a dense consistency.
If you carefully examine this benign tumor, then in its center you can see a small dark dot - this is a blockage of the exit of the gland duct.
The color of the cysts rarely differ from the color of the skin. But sometimes they are reddish, yellowish or white.
Atheromas, if they grow, then very slowly. They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. According to statistics, one in ten people has a sebaceous cyst. Most often it is formed on the head: most of all - in the scalp, less often there is a cyst of the sebaceous glands onforehead. People over 40 are more likely to develop neoplasms than young people.
Diagnosis
Having previously examined the neoplasm and having fixed clear contours, a rounded shape, a black dot (blocked duct) and the absence of any painful sensations, you should still consult a doctor. An accurate diagnosis can only be made 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 ascertain the diagnosis, one should undergo histological and morphological studies.
Disease prevention
Among preventive measures, personal hygiene occupies a special place. Taking care of your body and keeping it clean are the best ways to prevent sebaceous cysts.
A person who takes a bath or shower every day, uses antibacterial soap, can be sure of his he alth. 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 the pores. These measures include cosmetic massage, steam baths, masks.
The use of special shampoos will reduce the greasiness of the scalp.
In addition to hygiene, a change in diet will also be effective, where preference will be given to low-fat foods.
Sometimes the appearance of atheromas is facilitated by a failure in the endocrine system of the human body. This is where consultation withendocrinologist.
Cyst: remove or keep?
If the cyst is small, does not grow, does not bother either from an aesthetic or biological point of view, then such a formation does not need treatment. However, if a person has a sebaceous gland cyst on his face or if it has begun to grow, and worst of all, discomfort or pain has appeared, you should seek help from specialists.
Doctors advise removing any formation to rule out complications. Outgrowths can fester, swell and increase in size. A cyst that has festered can break through 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, consult with your doctor.
The most radical treatment
The only correct and most radical way to treat atheroma, all doctors - cosmetologists, dermatologists, surgeons - consider removal. 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 seep into the subcutaneous tissue.
If a person has a cyst of the sebaceous glands, the treatment of large neoplasms is performed by surgical intervention. In this case, the operation is done with a scalpel, stitches are applied to the incision site. The cyst is opened, all contents are removed and treated with drugs.
If suppuration occurs
Suppuration is a reason for immediate surgery. The abscess is openedand drain.
Emergency surgery has not a very good cosmetic effect. The incisions made during the removal of pus are not sewn up by doctors, they heal like this. In this case, the formation of a rough scar is possible.
It must be remembered that the pus that appeared at the site of the cyst often prevents the formation from being completely removed. This is fraught with relapse - a repeated revival of cystic formation. There is only one conclusion from this: timely access to doctors is the key to successful elimination of sebaceous gland cysts.
Other removal methods
Medicine is constantly evolving, improving ways to treat patients. Modern methods of operations are safe, very effective and have virtually no postoperative complications. These methods include laser removal and exposure of the cyst to radio waves.
The first method is used only if a person has a small cyst and there is no inflammation at all. This method eliminates the formation of scars and scars. This is the ideal way to remove a cyst located on prominent areas of the body, especially on the face.
Removal of a sebaceous gland cyst using radio waves allows you to influence the affected area of the body with very high accuracy. After using this method, neither scars nor scars remain. 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 methodremoval. If these negative signs of the disease are absent, it is still better to remove the cyst using 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 the remote area will never re-form. If you have to remove a cyst on the part of the head where there is hair, they do not need to be shaved before the operation.
The procedure consists of removing the neoplasm along 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 recurrence and re-formation of the cyst.
It is important to subject the removed tissues to histological examination!
The working capacity of a person who has undergone an operation to remove a cyst by a laser method or using radio waves is restored in a couple of days. Healing occurs as quickly as possible. Well, the main plus is no inpatient treatment.
Folk treatments
Although official medicine does not accept healing with the help of traditional medicine, there are still recipes that can greatly alleviate the course of this disease. The main thing is to remember that in this case there is nothing to count on for an instant result.
Self-treatment of sebaceous cysts is completely contraindicated! This can provoke infection of the skin tissues. The methods of traditional medicine can be resorted to only afterconsultation with your physician. Don't forget about it.
Among effective methods are:
- Compresses from coltsfoot leaves. Fresh leaves of this plant should be applied to the cyst and secured with a bandage or plaster. The compress is changed every day.
- Lotions from decoction of burdock roots. Burdock root, boiled, strained and used after cooling.
- Compresses of baked onions and laundry soap. In this case, the ingredients are grated and mixed, turning into a porridge-like mixture. The applied bandage is changed a couple of times a day.
