General
Cysts: Drainage & Removal
A cyst is a closed pocket under the skin filled with fluid or soft material. Epidermoid (often called sebaceous) cysts are the most common kind and are usually harmless, but a cyst can become inflamed or infected and turn red, swollen and painful.
- Walk-in or book
What is cysts: drainage & removal?
A cyst is a closed pocket under the skin filled with fluid or soft material. Epidermoid (often called sebaceous) cysts are the most common kind and are usually harmless, but a cyst can become inflamed or infected and turn red, swollen and painful.
Common symptoms
- A round lump under the skin that moves slightly
- A small dark pore at the center of the lump
- Redness, warmth and tenderness when inflamed
- Swelling that grows over a few days
- Thick, bad-smelling drainage
How we treat it at AfterOurs
A provider examines the lump to tell a cyst from an abscess or something else. A painful, inflamed or infected cyst can often be drained in the clinic: the area is numbed, a small incision releases what's inside, and the wound is packed or dressed. Antibiotics are added when infection is spreading. Removing a calm cyst completely, wall and all, so it doesn't come back, is a planned procedure, and we'll tell you where to have it done.
When to come in
Come in for a cyst that is red, painful, growing or draining. Don't squeeze it, which can push infection deeper. Go to the ER if you have a fever with spreading redness or feel very ill.
What to expect at your visit
- Step 1
Check in
Walk in, or book online to hold your place and skip the wait.
- Step 2
See a provider
A clinician examines you and runs any on-site tests you need.
- Step 3
Leave with a plan
Treatment, prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and a visit summary.
Ready to feel better? We're open late.
Book online to hold your place, or just walk in.