Large Cyst Squirts and Oozes from Patient’s Neck

Please scroll down to watch the video.👇👇

Large cysts that squirt or ooze when drained are usually due to a sebaceous cyst or epidermoid cyst—benign lumps under the skin filled with keratin or sebum. When they become infected, inflamed, or rupture, they can release a thick, often foul-smelling discharge. Here’s how this is generally handled medically (do not try to pop one yourself):

🧪 What Is Happening Medically?

Sebaceous/Epidermoid Cysts form when the opening of a sebaceous gland is blocked.
The inside fills with a cheesy, yellow-white substance made of dead skin cells and oils.
If pressure builds or it gets infected, it can squirt or ooze upon rupture or drainage.

⚠️ What to Do If You Have One

1. Do Not Squeeze It Yourself

Squeezing can push the contents deeper and worsen inflammation or infection.
You might cause abscess formation or scarring.

2. Warm Compresses

Apply a warm compress for 10–15 minutes several times a day to promote drainage if it’s small.
This may soften the contents and reduce discomfort.

3. Medical Drainage (Performed by a Doctor)

A healthcare provider will:

Clean the area with antiseptic.
Use local anesthesia.
Make a small incision to release the contents.
Gently express the contents using sterile tools.
In some cases, pack the wound to allow continuous drainage.

📌 Sometimes, oral antibiotics are needed if it’s infected.

🔄 Definitive Treatment

Surgical excision is required to remove the entire cyst wall and prevent recurrence.
This is a minor outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.

📽️ Why Does It Squirt?

When under pressure, the cyst contents are forcefully expelled, sometimes in dramatic fashion, like in popular pimple-popping videos.

🎥 You may have seen videos from dermatologists like Dr. Sandra Lee (Dr. Pimple Popper). These procedures are done under sterile conditions and are not safe to attempt at home.

📚 References:

Mayo Clinic:
Cleveland Clinic: Epidermoid cyst
American Academy of Dermatology: Cyst removal

When a large cyst on the neck releases fluid—either by oozing or forceful expulsion—it is typically due to an epidermoid cyst (commonly referred to as a sebaceous cyst). These cysts are benign, slow-growing lumps beneath the skin, filled with keratin—a protein found in skin cells. While usually harmless, they can become inflamed or infected, leading to discomfort and noticeable discharge.

🧬 Understanding Epidermoid Cysts
- Composition: Filled with keratin, a thick, yellowish substance.
- Common Locations: Face, neck, scalp, and trunk.
- Symptoms: Often painless unless inflamed; may have a visible central opening (punctum).
- Causes: Can result from blocked hair follicles, skin trauma, or developmental defects.
🩺 Medical Evaluation

If you notice a lump on your neck that changes in size, becomes painful, or starts to discharge, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They will assess the cyst to determine the appropriate treatment, which may include monitoring, drainage, or removal.

⚠️ Important Considerations
- Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the cyst yourself, as this can lead to infection or scarring.
- Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the cyst for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If the cyst becomes painful, rapidly enlarges, or shows signs of infection, consult a healthcare provider promptly.