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Is it necessary to operate an infected subcutaneous cyst?

Prof B Krishna Rau
Professor and Head of Dept. of Surgery,
Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai

Q: I had a small rash on my scalp. I applied some cream and it subsided, but it did not dry up for 3 months. One day I accidentally hit my comb on it and it started bleeding. Now it is has a continuous discharge of foul smelling pus. The doctor says that it is an infected subcutaneous cyst and has to be operated. He gave me some antibiotics also. Is it necessary to operate it?

A:Infected sebaceous cyst requires cyst excision. This is usually done under local anaesthesia. It is an out patient procedure.