Is it Possible for a Cyst to Increase in Size While Taking Antibiotics?
I find myself wondering about this due to my own experience. I’m a 28-year-old woman, standing 5'2" and weighing 170 pounds, and while I've been feeling a bit more tired lately, I don't believe that's connected to the issue at hand. A few months back, I discovered a small lump in my armpit, about the size of a pea. For several months, it remained unchanged—neither growing nor disappearing—and there were no visible signs like skin discoloration or a head, just a small bump beneath my skin. Recently, however, I started to experience some discomfort in my armpit, especially when moving my arm, leading to friction on that area which caused it to become red. Concerned that it might be an irritated or infected cyst, I went to urgent care. The healthcare professionals suspected it might indeed be a cyst but noted that it didn’t appear ready to rupture, although they observed signs of potential infection in the surrounding skin. Consequently, they prescribed antibiotics. Now, the lump has slightly increased in size. Thankfully, the pain has subsided and the redness around the area has diminished. However, I am left pondering: can antibiotics actually cause a cyst to grow larger? Or is it simply a coincidence that the lump is growing at the same time I’m on antibiotics?
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 5:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about changes in a cyst while taking antibiotics. Here’s a breakdown of the situation regarding cysts and antibiotics:
Key Points:
- A cyst can sometimes appear to grow or change in size due to inflammation or infection even while on antibiotics.
- Antibiotics treat infection, but they may not directly affect the size of a cyst unless there’s an active infection surrounding it that they are addressing.
Explanation:
Cysts are usually benign fluid-filled sacs that can form in various tissues of the body. When there's inflammation or infection, it can sometimes lead to the surrounding tissue swelling, making the cyst seem larger. While you are on antibiotics, they work to reduce any infection, which could lead to a decrease in inflammation over time. However, if the cyst was initially inflamed, it might take a little time for all the changes to stabilize, and during that period, the cyst might temporarily seem larger.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the size of the cyst and any associated symptoms, like pain or discomfort.
-
Self-Care:
- Continue taking the prescribed antibiotics as directed.
- Avoid any activities that could irritate the area further, such as vigorous exercise or tight clothing.
- Apply a warm compress to the area for 10-15 minutes several times a day to soothe discomfort and reduce inflammation.
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Document Changes: Take notes on the cyst's size, tenderness, and any other symptoms over the next week. This will help you observe trends and changes.
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Follow-Up: If the cyst continues to grow, or if you experience increased pain, fever, or significant changes in the area, consider seeking medical advice for further evaluation.
It’s positive that the pain has subsided and the redness has improved, as these indicate that the inflammation may be resolving. Don’t hesitate to check in if you have further concerns or if your symptoms evolve.
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