Cysts and abscesses are common skin and soft tissue conditions that can develop for various reasons. A cyst is typically a closed sac filled with fluid, air, or semi-solid material. They can occur anywhere on the body and are often benign. On the other hand, an abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Both can grow in size if left untreated, and when they become this large—as seen in the image—they often require surgical drainage or removal.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The causes behind such extreme growths vary. They may result from:
-
Infections that go untreated.
-
Sebaceous gland blockages leading to accumulation of oil and skin debris.
-
Genetic predispositions to cyst formation.
-
Neglect or fear of medical treatment, leading people to delay seeking help.
In rare cases, these growths could also be tumors—either benign like lipomas or, more concerningly, malignant. When infections take over, the skin may turn red, become hot to the touch, and start to drain pus. In the images, some of the growths appear to be in a stage where intervention is already underway, possibly through lancing or draining procedures.
Medical Intervention and Importance of Early Care
Once a cyst or abscess reaches such an extreme size, simple at-home treatments are no longer effective. Medical professionals typically:
-
Perform incision and drainage.
-
Prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection.
-
Conduct biopsies if malignancy is suspected.
In addition to treatment, follow-up care and hygiene are essential to prevent recurrence. Scenarios like the ones pictured underscore the risks of self-treatment and the necessity of medical evaluation for any abnormal lump or swelling.
