The Initial Sensation of Popping a Cyst
When a cyst is forcefully popped, the first sensation is typically a sharp, intense pain. This is followed by a sudden release of pressure as the cyst's contents are expelled. The intensity of the pain depends on several factors, including the cyst's size, its location, and the degree of underlying inflammation. For highly inflamed cysts, the pain can be excruciating. The release of pressure might feel like temporary relief, but this sensation is often short-lived and quickly replaced by throbbing, swelling, and tenderness.
What Exactly Comes Out?
When a sebaceous or epidermal cyst is ruptured, it releases a mixture of keratin, dead skin cells, and other debris. This material is often thick, yellowish, and described as having a strong, unpleasant, or 'cheesy' odor. The mess can be significant and difficult to contain. In cases where the cyst is already infected, pus—a thicker, often greenish fluid filled with bacteria—may be expelled. The presence of pus indicates an active infection that requires professional medical attention.
The Aftermath of a DIY Cyst Rupture
Unlike a pimple, a cyst is encapsulated in a sac under the skin. When you pop it at home, you almost never remove the entire sac. This is a critical distinction and leads to several major problems.
Lingering Pain and Inflammation
After the initial pop, the surrounding tissue becomes swollen and tender. Your body treats the sudden rupture and the spillage of contents as an injury, triggering an inflammatory response. This can result in increased redness, pain, and warmth in the area for days or even weeks. In many cases, the discomfort is worse and lasts longer than if the cyst had been left alone.
The Risk of Infection and Worsening Conditions
One of the most significant dangers of popping a cyst is the risk of introducing bacteria from your hands, fingernails, or unsterile tools into the open wound. This can lead to a serious infection. An infected cyst can cause systemic symptoms like fever, and require antibiotics to treat. Furthermore, if the contents are pushed deeper into the skin, the infection can spread under the surface, becoming even more difficult to treat.
Scarring and Recurrence
Aggressive squeezing and trauma to the skin can cause permanent scarring or discoloration. Unlike a professional excision where a clean, minimal incision is made, DIY popping can tear and damage the delicate surrounding tissue. Because the cyst wall remains intact after a DIY pop, the cyst has a very high chance of refilling and recurring. Chronic rupture and refilling can lead to repeated inflammation and scarring, making professional treatment more complicated later on.
DIY Popping vs. Professional Cyst Removal
| Feature | Do-It-Yourself Popping | Professional Dermatologist Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Sharp, intense, painful pressure followed by throbbing; high risk of worsening pain. | Painless during the procedure due to local anesthesia; mild post-op discomfort. |
| Equipment | Unsterile hands, fingernails, needles, or tools. | Sterile surgical instruments designed for minimal trauma. |
| Sterility | Non-sterile; high risk of bacterial contamination leading to infection. | Sterile environment; minimal risk of infection. |
| Outcome | High risk of inflammation, infection, and recurrence. | Complete removal of the cyst and sac, preventing recurrence. |
| Healing | Messy, often prolonged healing with high risk of scarring. | Controlled healing process with minimal scarring, if any. |
| Effectiveness | Ineffective long-term; the cyst will likely come back. | Long-term solution; prevents the cyst from reforming. |
The Proper, Professional Approach to Cyst Removal
For a safe and permanent solution, a dermatologist is the best resource. After examining the cyst to confirm its type, a professional can offer several treatments, depending on the cyst's size and condition.
Common Treatment Options:
- Corticosteroid Injection: For inflamed cysts, a doctor can inject a steroid to reduce swelling and pain. This does not remove the cyst, but can provide relief.
- Incision and Drainage: A quick procedure for inflamed or infected cysts, where a small incision is made to drain the contents. While effective for providing immediate relief, it doesn't remove the sac, and the cyst may return.
- Surgical Excision: The most definitive treatment involves surgically removing the entire cyst, including the sac wall, to prevent recurrence. This is an in-office procedure performed under local anesthetic.
Following a professional procedure, you will receive proper wound care instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of infection or scarring.
Conclusion
While the temptation to pop a cyst can be strong, the sensation is typically one of initial, sharp pain, followed by lingering discomfort and an unpleasant mess. This is overshadowed by the significant risks involved, including serious infection, permanent scarring, and almost certain recurrence. The safest, most effective path is to consult a dermatologist, who can properly and cleanly remove the entire cyst and sac, leading to better cosmetic results and a permanent solution. For more information on various dermatological conditions, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic website.
What to Do Instead of Popping a Cyst
Instead of attempting to pop a cyst, you can take these safer steps:
- Apply a warm compress: This can help reduce inflammation and potentially encourage the cyst to drain naturally, but should not involve squeezing.
- Keep the area clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to prevent surface bacteria from causing further issues.
- Observe the cyst: Watch for any changes in size, pain, or redness, and take note of these for a consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Seek professional help: If the cyst is bothersome, painful, or you are simply concerned about it, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
