Cysts are common and usually harmless, but when they become infected, they can quickly turn painful, swollen, and uncomfortable. An infected cyst can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, scalp, back, groin, or underarm, and often requires medical treatment to prevent further spread or recurrence.
At Cyst Removal Clinic London, our doctors specialise in diagnosing and treating infected cysts safely under local anaesthetic. We offer same-day assessment, drainage, and removal when required, all within a clean, professional clinical setting.
What is an Infected Cyst?
A cyst is a small, sac-like lump beneath the skin filled with keratin, oil, or other material. It becomes infected when bacteria enter the cyst wall, usually through a blocked pore, ingrown hair, or irritation from squeezing.
Once bacteria multiply inside the cyst, the area can become inflamed, red, and painful, sometimes turning into an abscess that contains pus.
Common types of cysts that can become infected include:
- Epidermoid cysts – the most frequent type, often found on the face, neck, or back.
- Sebaceous cysts – formed from blocked oil glands.
- Pilar cysts – commonly found on the scalp.
When infection sets in, the cyst can enlarge rapidly and may even rupture, releasing foul-smelling fluid. Prompt medical attention helps relieve symptoms and prevents the infection from spreading.
Symptoms of an Infected Cyst
An infected cyst typically causes more noticeable and uncomfortable symptoms compared with a normal, non-inflamed cyst.
Common signs include:
- Redness and warmth around the lump
- Increasing pain or tenderness
- Swelling and firmness of the area
- Yellow or white pus discharge
- Foul odour or thick fluid when squeezed
- Fever or general unwellness (if the infection spreads)
You may also notice the cyst feels “hot” to the touch or develops a visible head similar to a boil. Some infected cysts burst spontaneously, which can temporarily relieve pressure but does not remove the cyst wall, meaning the infection may return.
For this reason, professional medical drainage and removal are recommended for long-term resolution.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cysts become infected when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, enter the cyst lining through small breaks in the skin. Factors that increase the likelihood of infection include:
- Attempting to squeeze or pop a cyst
- Friction or pressure on the cyst (e.g., clothing, shaving)
- Poor skin hygiene or excess oil production
- Weakened immune system or diabetes
- Pre-existing inflamed cysts or acne-prone skin
An infected cyst can form quickly, sometimes within days, especially if the cyst was already inflamed or irritated.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Treatment
At Cyst Removal Clinic London, diagnosis is based on clinical examination. Your doctor will assess the cyst’s size, appearance, and whether it contains pus or has signs of spreading infection.
You should seek medical advice if:
- The cyst becomes painful, red, or swollen
- It starts to ooze pus or fluid
- The surrounding skin feels hot or tight
- You experience fever or flu-like symptoms
- The cyst recurs after previous treatment
Leaving an infected cyst untreated can result in an abscess, which may require a more extensive incision and drainage. Early treatment prevents complications and helps achieve better cosmetic healing.
Treatment Options for an Infected Cyst
Treatment depends on how severe the infection is and whether the cyst is suitable for immediate removal. Our doctors will assess whether the cyst needs drainage first or if removal can be performed in one appointment.
1. Antibiotic Therapy
For mild infections, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacteria and reduce inflammation. This approach helps settle infection but does not remove the cyst itself — meaning the problem may return.
2. Incision and Drainage
If the cyst is swollen and filled with pus, the first step is to drain the infection. The doctor will numb the area with local anaesthetic, make a small incision, and gently release the trapped fluid.
This provides immediate relief from pressure and pain. Once the infection has cleared, complete removal of the cyst wall can be scheduled to prevent recurrence.
3. Surgical Removal (Excision)
Definitive treatment involves removing the entire cyst and its capsule. However, removal is usually delayed until the infection has settled to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria.
Once healed, excision is performed under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made, and the cyst wall is carefully dissected and removed before the wound is closed with fine sutures.
This ensures long-term resolution and prevents the cyst from reforming.
Infected Cyst Removal Procedure
When the infection has resolved and the cyst is suitable for removal, the procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It usually takes around 20–30 minutes.
The steps include:
- Local anaesthetic – the area is numbed completely to ensure comfort.
- Precise incision – a small cut is made over the healed cyst site.
- Cyst wall removal – the doctor removes the entire capsule and any remaining debris.
- Wound closure – dissolvable or fine removable stitches are applied, followed by a sterile dressing.
The procedure is performed on a walk-in, walk-out basis, meaning you can go home immediately afterwards.
If multiple cysts are present, more than one can often be removed in a single session.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients recover quickly after infected cyst treatment or removal. Mild soreness, redness, or tightness around the incision site is common for a few days and can be managed with simple pain relief.
Typical aftercare includes:
- Keep the area clean and dry for 24–48 hours
- Avoid squeezing or touching the area
- Change dressings as advised by your doctor
- Take any prescribed antibiotics in full
- Attend your follow-up appointment for review or stitch removal
If the cyst was drained, it may take a few days for all discharge to stop completely. Once healing is complete, the area should feel smooth, and scarring is usually minimal.
To reduce the risk of recurrence, avoid squeezing future cysts and seek early treatment for any new lumps that appear inflamed.
Why Choose Cyst Removal Clinic London
- Experienced minor-surgery doctors skilled in treating complex or infected cysts
- Safe, sterile environment with same-day assessment and treatment options
- Local anaesthetic only — no general anaesthetic or hospital stay required
- Minimal scarring approach for all skin types and body areas
- Fixed transparent pricing with aftercare included
Our team treats all types of cysts, including infected, sebaceous, and epidermoid, using evidence-based techniques and a patient-first approach.