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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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