30F Concerns After Sebaceous Cyst Excision on Scalp: Is Healing Proceeding Normally?
Hi everyone, I recently underwent a procedure to excise two sebaceous cysts from my scalp. After following the post-surgical recommendations—specifically checking the site with gloves—I monitored for any signs of swelling or drainage. However, what truly concerns me is that the areas now feel quite firm, almost as if the cysts might still be present. While I realize that this firmness could be a typical aspect of the healing process, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something solid shifting beneath the skin. I’m anxious that the cyst walls were not completely removed, or worse, that I might be dealing with a recurrence or an infection.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 7:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your healing process after the excision of sebaceous cysts, especially when it comes to sensations like firmness under the skin. Let’s break this down to help you understand what’s happening and what steps to take.
Key Points:
- Firmness After Surgery is Common: It’s normal for the area around the excised cysts to feel firm. This firmness can be due to swelling, inflammation, or scar tissue formation as part of the healing process.
- Monitoring for Symptoms: While firmness is typically normal, it’s essential to keep an eye on other signs, such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge, which may indicate infection or incomplete excision.
Explanation:
After the removal of sebaceous cysts, the body goes through a healing phase where fluids can accumulate around the site, leading to a firm feeling. The sensation of something shifting could be related to fluids or scar tissue developing rather than the cyst itself returning. However, your intuition about your body is also valuable, and it's important to pay attention to what it’s telling you.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the surgical sites for any signs of infection (like increased redness, drainage, or warmth) over the next few days.
- Gentle Massage: If comfortable, gently massaging the area may help break up any residual swelling or fluid, but do this only if it doesn’t cause pain.
- Use Cold Compresses: Apply a cold compress for short periods (15-20 minutes) to help reduce any discomfort or swelling.
- Document Changes: Maintain a record of how the firmness, swelling, or any other symptoms evolve over time to help identify any significant changes.
- Follow Up as Needed: If you notice worsening symptoms, such as the area becoming more painful, or if your anxiety about recurrence increases, consider reaching out for a follow-up with your healthcare provider for peace of mind.
Feeling anxious after a procedure is entirely normal, but by following these steps, you can actively participate in your healing process. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional information!
Related Questions
Understanding Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: A Personal Account
Hi everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male who recently encountered Mallory-Weiss syndrome. About a week ago, while I was out enjoying a night with friends, I ended up drinking excessively. The morning after was one of the worst hangovers I've ever had. Despite my efforts to hydrate, I ended up vomiting multiple times, and to my shock, I later expelled blood. This alarming experience led me to the emergency room for evaluation, where I was diagnosed with Mallory-Weiss syndrome. The discharge papers indicated an "alcohol ban," which has left me pondering: should I completely abstain from drinking, or can I wait a month before hitting the party scene again? Currently, I’m feeling fine without any stomach discomfort, but I’m eager to go out, socialize, and enjoy myself—this time with a more responsible approach to alcohol consumption!
Understanding Blood Test Results
For the past three months, I've been encountering unexpected, intense levels of stress and anxiety, accompanied by significant weight loss and debilitating headaches. My physician has advised me to undergo a 24-hour urine analysis and has scheduled a kidney ultrasound for me. While reviewing my blood test results, I came across a notation of 'L' next to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and I'm unclear about its implications. Could someone help clarify this?
Exploring Discomfort in the Groin During a Flu Illness
Upon contracting the flu, I began to experience a persistent, mild discomfort localized in my right testicle. While I wouldn’t categorize it as true pain, I’d describe it as a dull sensation—perhaps a level 9 or 10 on the discomfort scale, yet only a level 1 regarding actual pain. My flu symptoms commenced on July 17th, and along with the illness, this sensation persisted. A few days later, I noticed similar feelings arising higher in my body, affecting areas such as my bladder and the upper regions of the scrotum. Thankfully, the nasal and sinus symptoms finally subsided today, along with the dull discomfort in my groin.
When is Neck Pain a Medical Emergency?
Age: 28 Gender: Female Height/Weight: 5 feet 4 inches, 200 pounds Medical History: Ongoing chronic migraines Duration of Current Symptoms: 48 hours Background Information: After being hospitalized for a status migrainosus, I received continuous treatment with steroids, Toradol, Benadryl, and Compazine for a duration of five days. Upon returning home, I began experiencing intense pain in my neck, characterized by intermittent bouts of severe discomfort that fluctuate from unbearable to manageable. A persistent symptom is my inability to lower my chin to my chest or rotate my head. At what point should I consider this a medical emergency? I am contemplating visiting a healthcare provider in the morning if there is no improvement. Thank you for your assistance.
Seeking Non-Surgical Solutions for C5-C6 Disc Protrusion Symptoms
I'm a 34-year-old male who has struggled with neck issues for the past six years. It all began while I was attempting pull-ups when I suddenly felt my neck lock up, leading to persistent, sharp pain in my left shoulder blade. Initially, the discomfort was manageable—regular massages provided some relief, though I would find myself contending with it approximately every six months. However, recently I've noticed new symptoms; specifically, occasional numbness in my left thumb and index finger, along with tingling sensations radiating down through my elbow and forearm. To cope, I rely on paracetamol and take relaxing hot baths, which grant me temporary respite from the pain. From what I gather, these signs point towards a left-sided disc protrusion at the C5-C6 level. Compounding matters, I also deal with shoulder and hip misalignments. I'm curious if anyone with a similar experience has managed to alleviate their symptoms through non-surgical approaches such as Pilates or other therapeutic exercises. I acknowledge that I have a weak core and carry extra weight around my abdomen, even if I don’t appear overweight at first glance. On the chance that surgery has been necessary for some, I’d be interested to know whether procedures like microdiscectomy, ACDF, or ADR have proven most effective. Thank you for your attention. I would truly appreciate hearing any success narratives, as they could inspire me to seek alternatives to surgery.