The Dermatology Unit provides specialist treatment for skin conditions such as cysts, a skin cyst is a fluid-filled lump just underneath the skin which may develop into a boil or a skin abscess.
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Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. Our commitment to our patients is in the quality of our care, the range of our services and the quality of our consultants and staff.
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Cysts
What causes cysts?
Cysts don’t normally hurt but can be tender, sore and red if they become infected. The cyst forms a dome-shaped bump which is yellow or whitish with a small, dark plug from where pus can emerge.
They are harmless and subside in time but it is advisable to have them checked by a GP to make sure it is not something else that needs treatment. Anyone can develop a cysts but it is more likely if you have had acne or are going through puberty.
They are caused when the surface layers of skin cells move deeper into the skin and multiply rather than being shed by the body. The skin then creates a sac and produces keratin which forms a thick, yellow substance. Some cysts form around hair follicles, typically affecting middle aged adults, while others are commonly found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders or skin around the genitals and are more likely on people who have had acne.
Treatment of cysts
A GP or dermatologist should be consulted if the cyst grows rapidly, ruptures or becomes infected or is troubling for cosmetic reasons. Skin cells can be scraped off and examined under a microscope or a skin sample can be sent for detailed analysis by a laboratory.
A range of treatments are available including injecting the cyst with a medicine to reduce the swelling and inflammation, a small incision to the cyst under local anaesthetic followed by the pus being gently squeezed out, and minor surgery to remove the entire cyst. A carbon dioxide laser can also be used to destroy the cyst and antibiotics may be prescribed on their own or in combination with the procedures.
Contact us
If you would like to know more about our cyst treatment then contact us today by phone on 0203 370 1026 or email [email protected].
Dermatology Clinic
Our London-based Dermatology Unit is led by the UK’s top dermatology specialists. We offer consultation, diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin conditions in clean, comfortable surroundings.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0203 370 1026.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
