Seeking Guidance on Cyst Removal
As a 19-year-old female with a height of 5'3" and a weight of approximately 200 pounds, I am currently undergoing treatment with Prozac and Ajovy. For the past year, I've been dealing with a cyst located in my pubic area. Fortunately, it is benign and does not cause me any pain, which initially led me to leave it untreated. However, I struggle with dermatillomania, a compulsive skin-picking disorder that compels me to engage with my skin obsessively. This compulsion is difficult to convey to those unfamiliar with it, but it pushed me to use tweezers and scissors on the cyst. I was able to partially open it, yet I couldn't extract anything due to the discomfort caused by my joint issues. Now, I'm faced with the decision of whether I should seek professional medical advice for an evaluation and potential removal of the cyst. Although I always ensure that my tools are sanitized before use, there remains a concern about the possibility of infection. Moreover, even though the cyst itself is not harmful, I believe having it removed might prevent me from revisiting this behavior in the future. However, I feel a sense of embarrassment about the situation, especially since my arms and legs are marked with scars and scabs from my skin-picking. I’m unsure if I’m overreacting, but I would greatly appreciate any advice regarding this matter.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 1:20:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel conflicted about your cyst and the effects of dermatillomania. Addressing your concerns is important, especially since you’re already managing multiple challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the main points and actionable steps you can consider.
Summary of Main Points:
- Cyst Characteristics: Your cyst is benign and not causing pain; however, your compulsive behavior may complicate its management.
- Infection Risk: Attempting to self-treat increases the risk of infection, which can be problematic.
- Potential Benefits of Removal: Professional removal can help reduce your urge to pick at the area and lessen the psychological burden associated with the cyst.
Explanation:
A benign cyst, particularly in sensitive areas like the pubic region, usually doesn’t require treatment if asymptomatic. However, your struggle with dermatillomania indicates that it might be beneficial to explore professional options. Picking at the cyst can lead to skin trauma and infections, which can exacerbate your symptoms and lead to a cycle of picking.
Feeling embarrassed about your situation is natural, but remember that many people deal with similar issues, and healthcare professionals are trained to help without judgment. There are effective treatments for both the cyst and dermatillomania that can significantly improve your overall well-being.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Schedule a Professional Evaluation: Reach out to a dermatologist or a healthcare provider for a consultation about the cyst. Explain your concerns about dermatillomania and any discomfort you're experiencing. They can offer options for removal if it's necessary or help with managing the psychological aspects of your skin-picking.
-
Avoid Self-Treatment: Refrain from using tweezers or scissors on the cyst. This prevents potential infection and scarring. Instead, try to redirect your behavior by focusing on stress-relieving activities or finding alternatives for your hands, like stress balls or fidget toys.
-
Consider Support for Dermatillomania: Look into therapy options that can address your skin-picking behavior, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is effective for habit disorders. Addressing this alongside your cyst may provide you with a robust support system.
-
Keep a Journal: Document your feelings and triggers relating to your skin-picking behavior. This can be helpful in therapy and aids in understanding your compulsions better.
By taking these steps, you’re prioritizing your health and tackling the underlying issues while also managing the cyst effectively. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Is a Tetanus Shot Necessary for My Foot Injury?
Hello everyone, I’ve encountered a little mishap today while wearing my crocs outdoors. The friction caused by them resulted in a sore spot on my foot, where the edge rubbed against the skin. There wasn’t any bleeding, but the skin has torn, and applying alcohol stung quite a bit. Since I wore them outside, I’m concerned that some dust might have entered the wound. Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to clean running water to rinse it properly, so I opted to disinfect it with alcohol instead. Now, I’m wondering whether I should get a tetanus shot, especially since it has been over a decade since my last one. Additionally, what symptoms should I keep an eye on, and when should I be concerned? I also noticed some sensitivity in my toes and calf, though I’m unsure if this is related. Thank you for your insights!
Understanding PrEP Testing and Viral Detection
Greetings, I'm a 29-year-old male from India. I would like to clarify some doubts regarding the effectiveness of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). If someone who is on PrEP were to become infected with HIV, when would testing reveal that infection? Specifically, can PrEP lower the viral load to levels undetectable by testing? I’ve heard that the 4th generation tests might not identify the virus in individuals who are taking PrEP. Could someone provide insights on this matter?
Recurring Pleurisy: Seeking Clarity on the Cause
A 21-year-old female weighing 67 kg, who smokes daily, currently takes no medication and has a history of low iron levels alongside elevated cholesterol. Additionally, she has benign ethnic neutropenia but no officially diagnosed medical conditions. During the summer of 2023, I experienced persistent sharp pain in my chest, which led to a CT scan confirming pleurisy. This episode repeated itself two more times, requiring further scans, but ultimately, I decided to stop visiting medical professionals at the onset of symptoms, having recognized the condition. Over the last two years, I've encountered approximately ten flare-ups, prompting me to question the irregularity, especially since the underlying cause remains elusive. Should I be concerned about these recurrent episodes?
Is My Concern Justified? An Exploration of Possible Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms
Hello, I am a 23-year-old female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 110 pounds. I've recently begun taking pregabalin in hopes that it will alleviate some of my symptoms. Additionally, I am on Vynase and Wellbutrin. While recording a video of myself, I experienced an unexpected and intense pinch that prompted me to withdraw my hand abruptly. In reflection, I noticed a small dot that caught my attention; I can’t help but wonder if this is simply a swollen lymph node, especially since I know I have several engorged ones in that vicinity. I suspect this might relate to my presumed diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which may be contributing to my lymphatic system not functioning at its best. I've dealt with various symptoms associated with TOS and have harbored worries about potential blood clots in my arm and armpit, particularly in my bicep and forearm areas. My hand frequently feels chilly and occasionally goes numb, which is quite discomforting. Once, I attempted to massage my pectoral minor muscle, which provided some temporary relief, but unfortunately, the discomfort seems to migrate to different parts of my body. I’ve also noted a throbbing sensation and prominent, bulging veins in my arm that understandably raise concerns for me. However, given that I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), it's challenging to discern if my current condition is solely due to my weight or if it's related to my underlying issues. I perceive that certain areas of my tissue are lax, which leads me to describe the feeling as "bandy"—as if there’s a web being spun throughout my body making my muscles involuntarily spasm. Additionally, I experience significant scapular winging, which I feel is worth mentioning. If my worries seem excessive, I’m open to that possibility, but my concerns continue to linger!
Can Adjusting the C1 Vertebra Help with Facial Imbalances?
Hello, I’m M16, and I’ve observed that one side of my face appears somewhat slimmer or less pronounced compared to the other. My eyes and cheekbones seem slightly mismatched. Recently, I came across a TikTok video where an individual asserted that a C1 (atlas) adjustment resolved their facial and eye asymmetry. While I recognize that TikTok may not always provide accurate information, it sparked my curiosity: Is there any scientific or anatomical basis for believing that a C1 adjustment could enhance facial symmetry? Do factors like posture, tension in the muscles, or alignment of the neck genuinely influence facial appearance? I’m not experiencing any discomfort or pain, so I apologize for any inconvenience, but I’m eager to learn more before I fully embrace TikTok advice.