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Conditions We Treat

Cysts & Abscesses

At Livingstone Dermatology, we understand that your skin is a reflection of your health and well-being. We are committed to the latest advancements in dermatological science, and dedicated to providing you with quality care.

Overview

Cysts and abscesses are common types of skin lumps caused by trapped fluid, pus or other material beneath the skin. While some resolve on their own, others may grow, become painful or infected, and require medical treatment. Minor surgical removal is a routine procedure in dermatology clinics.

cysts abscesses Singapore.
Although they may look alike, cysts and abscesses are not the same. Cysts are usually slow-growing, painless lumps filled with fluid or keratin, while abscesses are infected, swollen areas filled with pus that are often red, painful and warm to the touch.

What are Cysts and Abscesses?

Cysts and abscesses are common skin lumps that may look similar at first glance. While they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, they are two different conditions, with distinct causes, symptoms and treatments. Understanding the difference can help you decide when to seek medical care and what treatment options may be needed.

Cysts

Cysts are sac-like structures that form under the skin, often due to blocked hair follicles or trapped keratin. The most common type is the epidermoid cyst, which tends to grow slowly and is usually harmless.

Cysts may contain:

  • Keratin (a protein found in skin and hair)
  • Sebum (oil)
  • In some cases, pus (if inflamed or infected)

Some of the common types of skin cysts include:

  • Epidermoid cysts – often found on the face, neck, chest or back
  • Pilar (trichilemmal) cysts – usually on the scalp, often run in families
  • Sebaceous cysts – caused by blocked oil glands, though this term is often misused to refer to epidermoid cysts

Cysts are not cancerous and typically do not need removal unless they become painful, infected or bothersome. If inflamed, a cyst may rupture or evolve into an abscess.

Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections that lead to a collection of pus within the skin. They occur when the body’s immune system responds to infection by walling off the area, forming a pus-filled cavity.

Abscesses can develop:

  • On their own, from infections introduced through cuts, bites or clogged follicles
  • From inflamed or ruptured cysts

They tend to progress quickly and can be painful or tender. Unlike cysts, abscesses usually require medical treatment, often involving drainage and sometimes antibiotics.

When does an Abscess require emergency medical attention?

Abscesses are typically mild and manageable in a primary care setting. However, untreated abscesses can lead to serious infections such as sepsis or necrotising fasciitis, which is a flesh-eating disease.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if your untreated abscess shows signs of:

  • Fever and chills – fevers and chills can indicate that the infection has spread from the skin to your system.
  • Difficulty moving nearby areas – general swelling due to inflammation can make moving the affected limb or digit difficult.
  • Overall feeling sick – Feeling unwell can also indicate that the abscess has caused a deeper infection.
  • Pus or drainage – If your abscess pops and leaks pus, it is important to seek medical treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts.
  • Redness and swelling – Redness around the area, swelling, or the area feeling tender to the touch are also tell-tale signs of a serious infection.
  • Severe pain – Severe pain (pain that is disabling you from functioning normally) and a warm sensation on or around your abscess likely indicates severe infection and inflammation.

What are Cysts and Abscesses?

acne prone skin risk factor.
Acne-prone skin is more likely to develop cysts and abscesses due to clogged pores, excess oil and inflammation. Deep infections beneath the skin can lead to painful, swollen lumps that may require medical treatment.

Lumps under the skin can look and feel similar at first, but not all are the same. Cysts and abscesses are 2 common types of skin swellings that differ in their causes and how they develop. Understanding what triggers them can help you recognise when a lump might need medical attention

Cysts

Cysts often begin when a hair follicle or skin pore becomes blocked. As a result, keratin and dead skin cells accumulate beneath the surface, gradually forming a fluid- or semi-solid-filled lump. These cysts usually grow slowly and are painless unless inflamed or infected.

Most cysts develop sporadically without a clear cause. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of cyst formation:

  • Acne-prone skin – frequent blockages and inflammation of hair follicles make cyst formation more likely.
  • Genetic conditions – inherited syndromes, such as Gardner syndrome, may predispose individuals to develop multiple cysts.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection – some strains of HPV can alter skin cell growth, potentially leading to cyst formation.
  • Skin injuries – cuts, surgical wounds or trauma can damage hair follicles or ducts, allowing keratin to become trapped and form a cyst.
  • UV exposure – prolonged sun exposure may damage skin structures and contribute to the development of cysts.

If a cyst ruptures or becomes infected, it may become swollen, painful and filled with pus — in some cases, progressing into an abscess.

Abscesses form when the body mounts an immune response to a bacterial infection in the skin. White blood cells move to the infected site to fight the bacteria, leading to the build-up of pus, which is a thick fluid composed of dead cells, bacteria and immune cells. This process results in a painful, swollen lump under the skin.

The most common bacteria involved are:

  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus pyogenes

While anyone can develop an abscess, certain risk factors weaken the skin barrier or immune response, making infections more likely:

  • Diabetes – poorly controlled blood sugar can weaken immune defences and delay healing
  • Obesity – increases skin friction, moisture retention and risk of skin breakdown
  • Poor hygiene – allows bacteria to accumulate and enter through minor skin breaks
  • Smoking – reduces circulation and impairs the body’s healing ability
  • Weakened immune system – conditions like HIV or the use of immunosuppressive medications lower resistance to infection

What are the symptoms and common locations of Cysts and Abscesses?

Some of the common symptoms and features of both lumps are:

TYPE SYMPTOMS LOCATION
Cysts
  • Can feel firm or rubbery to the touch
  • Can release a thick, cheesy material if ruptured
  • Slow-growing lump under the skin
  • May move slightly under the skin when pressed
  • Skin over the cyst is usually normal, unless irritated
  • Sometimes has a central opening or blackhead-like pore
  • Smooth, round or dome-shaped
  • Usually painless (unless it is inflamed or infected)
  • Back
  • Chest
  • Face
  • Genitals
  • Neck
  • Scalp
Abscesses
  • Area may feel warm, tender and red
  • Can eventually drain pus or fluid
  • May be accompanied by fever or fatigue if the infection spreads
  • May throb or cause general discomfort
  • Often grows quickly over days
  • Painful, swollen lump filled with pus
  • Skin over the abscess may appear shiny or stretched
  • Armpits
  • Buttocks
  • Face
  • Groin
  • Thighs
  • Around hair follicles or sites of injury

Are Cysts and Abscesses dangerous?

In general, cysts are benign and may be left alone if they are not causing any discomfort or cosmetic concern. However, in some cases, the cyst may continue to collect dead skin cells, debris, or oil. When bacteria enter this enclosed space, it can lead to infection and inflammation, turning a cyst into an abscess.

If left untreated, abscesses can spread the infection deeper into the body and lead to serious complications, including:

  • Gangrene – certain bacteria, such as Clostridium perfringens, can cause tissue death in the affected area, a condition known as gangrene.
  • Necrotising fasciitis – commonly known as flesh-eating disease, which is a rare but aggressive infection that destroys the tissue beneath the skin and can lead to permanent damage or loss of the affected area.
  • Osteomyelitis – if the infection spreads to nearby bone, it can cause osteomyelitis, a serious and difficult-to-treat bone infection.
  • Sepsis – sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation, organ failure and potentially death.

Your skin acts as a vital barrier against harmful pathogens. Cysts and abscesses form as part of the body’s response to irritation or infection. However, if neglected, these conditions can escalate, allowing the infection to spread into deeper tissues, the bloodstream, or even bone. In severe cases, this may result in loss of limb or life-threatening complications such as septic shock.

Proper and timely treatment of cysts and abscesses is essential to prevent these risks.

How are Cysts and Abscesses diagnosed?

Most cysts and abscesses can be diagnosed through a physical examination. Our dermatologist will assess the lump’s appearance, texture and location to determine its exact nature. Additional tests may also be required if the diagnosis is uncertain or if the lesion appears atypical.

Some of the common diagnostic methods include:

  • Physical examination – most cysts and abscesses are diagnosed by sight or touch during a clinical exam
  • Dermatoscopy – a dermatoscope is used to examine the lump more closely beneath the skin surface
  • Biopsy (if needed) – a small tissue sample may be taken and sent for testing, especially if the cyst looks unusual, grows rapidly or recurs
  • Imaging tests – imaging tests such as an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan are used to assess the cyst’s size, depth and contents
cysts abscesses diagnosis.
Diagnosis of cysts and abscesses typically begins with a physical examination, where your doctor checks for size, tenderness, redness and signs of infection.

How are Cysts and Abscesses treated?

While some cysts and abscesses may resolve on their own, others can become painful, swollen, or cosmetically concerning. In such cases, medical treatment can help reduce discomfort, prevent complications and minimise recurrence.

Our dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment depending on the type, size, location and severity of the lump.

Treatment for Cysts


In many cases, cysts do not require treatment if they are small and not causing symptoms. However, if the cyst becomes painful, inflamed, infected, or is bothersome for cosmetic reasons, removal may be advised.

Some of the common treatment options include:

  • Incision and drainage – a small opening is made to release the cyst’s contents, such as fluid or pus. This is a quick and minimally invasive method, but the cyst may return if the capsule is not removed.
  • Surgical removal – the entire cyst, including its capsule, is excised under local anaesthesia. This is a more definitive treatment and greatly reduces the chance of recurrence.
  • Steroid injections – steroids may be injected into the cyst to reduce inflammation and shrink it, particularly if the cyst is inflamed but not infected.

Abscesses, which are caused by infections, usually require medical intervention. Treatment aims to drain the pus, reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of infection.

The following approaches may be used:

  • Antibiotics – prescribed if there are signs of spreading infection or if the patient has a weakened immune system.
  • Incision and drainage – a small cut is made to release the pus. The area is then cleaned and left open to continue draining naturally.
  • Local anaesthesia – applied to numb the area before any procedure. In very small abscesses, anaesthesia may not be necessary.
  • Warm compress – applying a warm compress at home can help encourage drainage and relieve pain.
  • Wound packing – gauze may be placed inside the abscess cavity to keep it open and allow further drainage. This may need to be repeated over several days.

Our dermatologist may also recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling during the healing process. After the treatment, a scar may remain where the abscess was drained.

Summary

Although many cysts and abscesses are harmless, others can become painful, infected, or lead to complications if left untreated. Early evaluation and proper care can make all the difference, whether it is for peace of mind, comfort, or preventing recurrence.

If you notice a new lump, swelling, or skin lesion that’s growing, painful, or not healing, do not wait. Book a consultation (link to contact us page) with our dermatologists today for expert diagnosis and safe, effective treatment..

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a cyst at home?

No, it is not recommended to pop or squeeze a cyst yourself. This can lead to infection, inflammation, or scarring. Incomplete removal of the cyst wall can also cause it to recur. It is best to have cysts properly assessed and treated by a dermatologist.

You can apply a warm compress to help relieve discomfort, but abscesses should be drained by a healthcare provider. Attempting to pop or drain an abscess on your own increases the risk of spreading the infection deeper into the tissues, incomplete drainage and scarring.

Some small abscesses may drain and heal without treatment. However, if the abscess persists for more than 1 to 2 weeks, becomes more painful, or the size increases, seek medical attention. Delaying treatment may lead to complications.

Scarring can occur, especially if the lesion was inflamed, infected, or surgically removed. Scars may appear as flat marks, dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), or pitted areas similar to acne scars. Scar severity often depends on the size and location of the lesion, skin type and the treatment method used.

No, cysts are not contagious. They are usually caused by blocked follicles or trapped keratin under the skin, not by infection. However, if a cyst becomes infected, the bacteria may be spread through contact with the pus.

Yes, abscesses caused by bacterial infections can be contagious, especially if the pus comes into contact with broken skin. Proper hygiene and wound care are important to prevent spreading the infection to others.

You should consult a dermatologist if:

  • The lump is growing, painful, or inflamed
  • You suspect an infection
  • The lesion recurs after previous treatment
  • You are unsure whether it is a cyst, abscess, or another skin condition

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