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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Appointment:

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.

Pain and Swelling: Once your cyst is drained or removed, you usually do not have pain. But caregivers may suggest the following if you do have pain afterward.

• To lessen pain or swelling use ice right after the injury and for 24 to 48 hours afterwards. Put the ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Place this over the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you could get frostbite.
  
  
• After the first 24 to 48 hours you may use heat to lessen pain or swelling. Heat brings blood to the injured area and helps it heal faster. Use a heating pad (turned on low) or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle. This could cause a bad burn.
  
  
• If possible, keep the area where the cyst was removed, raised above the level of your heart. This will lessen pain and swelling and help healing. If the cyst was on your back, do not sleep on it until the area is healed.
  
  
• Do not bump or overuse the area where your cyst was removed. If your stitches are on your back, try not to stretch your back muscles.

Bathing and Water Activities:

• When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the stitches/staples with soap and water. Afterwards put on a clean, new bandage. Or, change your bandage any time it gets wet or dirty. If you cannot reach the bandage, ask someone else to help you change it.
  
  
• 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 you don't have stitches, do not get the wound wet until the skin is healed.

Wellness Hints:

• Eat healthy foods from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drink 6 to 8 (soda pop can size) glasses of liquid each day. Or, follow your caregiver's advice if you must limit the amount of liquid you drink. Good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, such as coffee, tea, and soda.

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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