From the Research
Treatment for a ruptured interdigital cyst typically involves incision and drainage, with antibiotics prescribed only when necessary, as almost half of cases may not grow pathogenic bacteria 1. When treating a ruptured interdigital cyst, it is essential to keep the area clean and apply warm compresses 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes to promote drainage. Topical antiseptics like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine solutions can be used to prevent infection. Some key points to consider when treating a ruptured interdigital cyst include:
- Keeping the area dry and avoiding tight footwear that puts pressure on the affected area
- Using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) to manage pain
- Seeking medical attention promptly if the cyst doesn't improve within a few days, shows signs of worsening infection, or if you have fever or spreading redness
- Addressing underlying causes like foot structure issues, proper footwear, or skin conditions to prevent future occurrences According to a systematic review, surgery yielded the highest cure rate among all treatment modalities for digital mucous cysts, with a cure rate of 95% 2. However, for ruptured interdigital cysts, the approach may differ, and a more conservative approach with incision and drainage, and antibiotics only when necessary, may be preferred 1.