Cysts Boils Keloid Treatment Memphis Dermatologist

by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (12/17/2023)

Cysts can occur on any part of the body - as can Keloids — Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury examines a patient

If you or a family member has a new nodule in your skin, now’s a great time to get the lesion diagnosed by a Dermatologist. This nodule could be a Cyst, the result of a skin infection, a type of infected skin gland called a Boil, or a type of scar tissue called a Keloid. Let’s take a look at why it’s important to get skin nodules managed. My perspective is that of a Memphis Dermatologist since 1993.

It's good to get any new nodule checked by a Board-certified Dermatologist — A Sebaceous Cyst on a person's shoulder

First, a Cyst, sometimes called a Sebaceous Cyst or Epidermoid Cyst, happens when a skin gland develops an infection. Your body either expels this infection to the surface by developing a Boil or walls off this infection with a Cyst sack. The result is a skin nodule.

A Cyst is the result of an oil gland that became infected — An Epidermoid Cyst on a person's back

The problem is that a cyst sack is at risk of leakage or rupture if it gets traumatized, leading to an active skin infection, a type of skin emergency. If a cyst is actively infected, Dermatologists like myself generally do what’s called an incision and drainage of this cyst, first putting a shot into the cyst, then making a cut into it, allowing the pus to drain.

Cysts often need to be drained by incision and drainage if they're persistent — A couple looking at medical options and surgical options for Cysts

It’s ideal later to get the cyst sack removed with a cyst excision: the cyst is numbed up or anesthetized with a local shot and then cut out, the site frequently being closed with stitches.

Cyst treatment often involves getting the Cyst sac cut out — Dermatologist Dr. Woodbury talking with a patient about acne and Cysts

This excision procedure leaves a scar, and sometimes even a raised scar called a Keloid, so we Dermatologists advise the patient whether it’s best to remove the cyst with stitches completely. The advantage is that the lesion can be sent off to the Dermatopathology Laboratory to be checked for Skin Cancer: the lesion might actually be a cystic Basal Cell Skin Cancer or even a Melanoma. If a scar or Keloid results from the excision, we can treat the site later with steroid injections to reduce the scar.

Dermatologists often try to treat Cysts with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids first bat to reduce risks of a Keloid from treatment — Young couple enjoying a day at the beach

Dermatologists also have a lot to offer regarding Keloid Treatment and Keloid Scar Treatment. Keloids Treatment involves measures that reduce excess scar tissue, such as prescription topical (meaning for use “on top of” the skin) creams and ointments. Dermatologists sometimes consider injections of steroids right into Keloids for Keloid Scars Treatment. Dermatologic Surgeons sometimes cut out or “excise” Keloids, followed by the same steroid injections. And we sometimes refer the patient for a series of radiation treatments to reduce excess collagen.

Cysts and Boils can occur on any part of the body — Dermatologist Dr. Woodbury discussing clear complexion measures with a young patient

More information?

The best first move is a consultation with a Board-certified Dermatologist for a skin check-up, an especially high priority for people with skin lesions that could be cancerous. Check out “Understanding the Melanoma Crisis: Scarlet’s Story,’ a 2018 movie sponsored by my Dermatology practice, on Youtube.

Dermatologists are doctors of the Skin, the Hair, and hte Nails — Dr. Woodbury discusses Cyst treatment with a patient

My own Dermatology practice is with Rheumatology and Dermatology (www.Rheumderm.com) in Memphis, TN, near Germantown, Bartlett, and Arlington (8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018 1-901-753-0168). Or you could find a Board-certified Dermatologist close to you with the American Academy of Dermatology’s “Find a Dermatologist” site (AAD.org). Plug in your zip code, and you’ll get a list. For helpful photos of skin growth, go to the Skin Cancer Foundation website, skincancer.org.

Big River's motto is "Science Simplifying Skincare;" — Dr. Woodbury with staff of Big River Silk Skincare

And if you have oily or combination skin and complexion issues, a company of which I am President – Big River Silk Skincare – manufactures and distributes a helpful cleanser – AmberSoy™ Soap Gel – which can be used as a type of skin mask, for 3-5 minutes prior to washing off (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com). To help refresh the skin, we also manufacture two types of Glycolic Acid moisturizer – GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion and GlycoShea Hand&Body Lotion – which act as antiwrinkle cream due to Alpha Hydroxy Acid Glycolic Acid. Check us out at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com.