Dermal Cyst Excision

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A dermal cyst excision (ek-sih-zhun) is also called dermal cyst removal. Dermal means skin. A cyst is a sac containing liquid or a jelly-like material. Dermal cyst removal is when a cyst is taken off of or out of your skin. Most cysts can be removed, or opened and drained.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
  
  
• Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.

Appointments:

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How do I care for my wound?

• Clean the wound gently 2 to 3 times per day with a cotton swab.
  
  
• Do not bump or overuse the area where your cyst was removed.
  
  
• Do not soak the wound. Do not go swimming, or sit in a hot tub or whirlpool until the stitches are out. If the wound is on your arm, do not wash dishes.
  
  
• If possible, keep the area where the cyst was removed raised (above the level of your heart) to decrease pain, swelling and to help it start healing.
  
  
• If the dressing gets wet, unwrap it slowly and carefully. If it sticks, use warm water to gently loosen it. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before putting on another dressing.
  
  
• Keep the wound, stitches/staples and dressing clean and dry for 24 hours. You may change your bandage after 24 hours. If your bandage sticks, use warm water to gently loosen it. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before putting on another bandage.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have bleeding that soaks through the bandage.
  
  
• You have pain around your stitches/staples that is getting worse.
  
  
• You have redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red streaks coming away from the stitches. These are signs of infection.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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