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Epidermal Sebaceous Cyst Treatment by Incision and Drainage

Symptomatic or recurrent epidermal cysts should be removed. Ruptured, inflamed epidermal cysts should be incised and drained under local anesthesia. Attempts should be made to remove the cyst lining either by curettage or blunt dissection. After the cyst is incised, it may be discovered that the keratinous debris may be trapped or loculated, and require manipulation with a curette or scalpel to be released. The cyst cavity may then be packed with a wick to aid in further drainage. A small linear scar will occur, but may be less visible than a complete excisional scar.