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Suggest Treatment For Sebaceous Cyst On Back
Question: hi Dr. Kakkar,
First of all thanks for answering my question so far. I have been in touch with you about the abscess on my back of neck below head.
Now doctor had told me that there is some sebaceous cyst part still inside which keeps on producing sebaceous material. He told me that he will take of the packing on Tuesday and after that wound will heal. Within a month he has asked me to visit to a surgeon to have sebaceous cyst removed.
I am concerned as if the cyst is still present then what was the benefit of draining it so far. Since the sebaceous cyst is generating quite a bit amount of material on daily basis so wouldn't this again make my scalp bloated and it will be back to square 1. If it was only to surgically removed so was he just experimenting on me by keeping incision open. It's so frustrating to hear that I have to visit a surgeon again and go through with the procedure. Doctor also keeps on saying that it is getting better. I am pretty confused.
What will be the surety that after surgery I will be perfectly normal.
First of all thanks for answering my question so far. I have been in touch with you about the abscess on my back of neck below head.
Now doctor had told me that there is some sebaceous cyst part still inside which keeps on producing sebaceous material. He told me that he will take of the packing on Tuesday and after that wound will heal. Within a month he has asked me to visit to a surgeon to have sebaceous cyst removed.
I am concerned as if the cyst is still present then what was the benefit of draining it so far. Since the sebaceous cyst is generating quite a bit amount of material on daily basis so wouldn't this again make my scalp bloated and it will be back to square 1. If it was only to surgically removed so was he just experimenting on me by keeping incision open. It's so frustrating to hear that I have to visit a surgeon again and go through with the procedure. Doctor also keeps on saying that it is getting better. I am pretty confused.
What will be the surety that after surgery I will be perfectly normal.
Brief Answer:
I need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ok. If it was a sebaceous cyst to start with, then I would like to know did you ever noticed or felt any lump at that site before you consulted the doctor for abscess?
If it was a sebaceous cyst which then developed secondary bacterial infection leading further on to abscess, draining it was Ok. Once the infection subsides the sebaceous cyst can be dissected out along with the lining wall.
I would like to know what antibiotics are you currently on? On my screen your current medicine still displays as Doxycycline which covers only gram +ve bacteria whereas if you remember I was in favor of adding a gram -ve cover as well as anerobic cover.
Regards
I need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ok. If it was a sebaceous cyst to start with, then I would like to know did you ever noticed or felt any lump at that site before you consulted the doctor for abscess?
If it was a sebaceous cyst which then developed secondary bacterial infection leading further on to abscess, draining it was Ok. Once the infection subsides the sebaceous cyst can be dissected out along with the lining wall.
I would like to know what antibiotics are you currently on? On my screen your current medicine still displays as Doxycycline which covers only gram +ve bacteria whereas if you remember I was in favor of adding a gram -ve cover as well as anerobic cover.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I remember you recommend for gram -ve too but when I consulted to the doctor he said to keep on doxycycline. His point was that since there is improvement so no need to change medication.
And yes there was a lump before almost from 15 years. Never had any problem so didn't ever thought it will lead to this much trouble.
So is surgical removal only option for cyst?
And yes there was a lump before almost from 15 years. Never had any problem so didn't ever thought it will lead to this much trouble.
So is surgical removal only option for cyst?
Brief Answer:
Sebaceous cyst is best removed surgically along with its lining wall
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Though sebaceous cysts may be left as it is, but they can develop complications like secondary bacterial infection and thus become painful. Therefore it is better to get them removed if they get repeatedly infected.
Sebaceous content of the cyst is derived from sebaceous glands which are present in the lining cyst wall.
Treatment is surgical and the lining cyst wall should be removed in its entirety Or else the cyst may recur.
Once your wound heals you may consult a surgeon for the needful.
Probably the abscess is taking long to heal because there is a lot of dead space after emptying the contents.
In my view you surely should be on better antibiotics than doxycycline.
I would have started you on Amoxycillin+clavulanic acid combination for gram+ve cover along with cefixime Or cefpodoxime for gram -ve cover and metronidazole for anaerobes, and continued them for a week.
Regards
Sebaceous cyst is best removed surgically along with its lining wall
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Though sebaceous cysts may be left as it is, but they can develop complications like secondary bacterial infection and thus become painful. Therefore it is better to get them removed if they get repeatedly infected.
Sebaceous content of the cyst is derived from sebaceous glands which are present in the lining cyst wall.
Treatment is surgical and the lining cyst wall should be removed in its entirety Or else the cyst may recur.
Once your wound heals you may consult a surgeon for the needful.
Probably the abscess is taking long to heal because there is a lot of dead space after emptying the contents.
In my view you surely should be on better antibiotics than doxycycline.
I would have started you on Amoxycillin+clavulanic acid combination for gram+ve cover along with cefixime Or cefpodoxime for gram -ve cover and metronidazole for anaerobes, and continued them for a week.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I will ask to the doctor once again for the medication recommended by you.
Between if the sebaceous cyst is producing matter in such pace when the wound is open, will it let heal the wound. And does the sebaceous matter has odor in it?
Between if the sebaceous cyst is producing matter in such pace when the wound is open, will it let heal the wound. And does the sebaceous matter has odor in it?
Brief Answer:
Sebaceous cyst if slow growing; it has a foul smell
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I don't think the cyst is producing sebaceous matter at such pace. Normally sebaceous cyst is very slow growing. It may remain stable for years (in your case it stayed so for 15 years) or increase in size ever so slowly unless infected.
I think it is simmering infection of the cyst cavity which is causing it to drain at such pace.
Sebaceous contents are usually foul smelling, thick and chessy. Abscess has a foul smell too because of the necrotic content.
Regards
Sebaceous cyst if slow growing; it has a foul smell
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I don't think the cyst is producing sebaceous matter at such pace. Normally sebaceous cyst is very slow growing. It may remain stable for years (in your case it stayed so for 15 years) or increase in size ever so slowly unless infected.
I think it is simmering infection of the cyst cavity which is causing it to drain at such pace.
Sebaceous contents are usually foul smelling, thick and chessy. Abscess has a foul smell too because of the necrotic content.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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