From the Guidelines
Surgical removal is the most effective treatment for a sebaceous cyst in the lower lip, as it allows for complete removal of the cyst and its wall, preventing recurrence. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1, effective treatment of inflamed epidermoid cysts, often mistakenly referred to as sebaceous cysts, entails incision, thorough evacuation of the pus, and probing the cavity to break up loculations.
Some key points to consider when treating a sebaceous cyst in the lower lip include:
- The cyst should be removed under local anesthesia, such as lidocaine 1-2%, to minimize discomfort and pain
- The entire cyst and its wall should be removed to prevent recurrence
- After removal, the area should be kept clean with mild soap and water, and an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or polysporin should be applied for 3-5 days
- Mild swelling and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours)
- It is essential to avoid irritating the surgical site and follow specific aftercare instructions from the healthcare provider
As noted in the guidelines 1, gram stain, culture, and systemic antibiotics are rarely necessary for the treatment of sebaceous cysts, unless there are unusual exceptions such as multiple lesions, cutaneous gangrene, severely impaired host defenses, extensive surrounding cellulitis, or severe systemic manifestations of infection. Complete removal of the cyst and proper aftercare can lead to complete healing within 1-2 weeks, making surgical removal the preferred treatment option.
From the Research
Sebaceous Cyst in the Lower Lip
- A sebaceous cyst is a benign, closed capsule or sac-like structure found under the skin, typically filled with a semi-solid, cheese-like, or oily material 2, 3.
- The conventional treatment for sebaceous cysts involves initial antibiotic administration and incision and drainage of the lesion, followed by elective surgical excision 1-2 months later when the inflammation has subsided 2.
- However, a study suggests that one-stage excision of inflamed sebaceous cysts can decrease the duration of antibiotic exposure, reduce morbidity, and is more economical 2.
- An alternative method for treating sebaceous cysts involves removing the cyst content with a laser punch and the cyst wall with a minimal postponed excision, resulting in a small scar 3.
- Sebaceous glands are normally located in the oral region, including the vermilion of the upper lip and on the buccal mucosa, and pathologies such as ectopic location, hyperplasia, adenomas, carcinomas, and cysts have been described 4.
- While there are reports of sebaceous cysts in the upper lip, there is limited information available on sebaceous cysts specifically in the lower lip, and more research may be needed to fully understand this condition.