Patient Education: Cyst Wounds

Understanding Your Cyst

A cyst is a small sac under your skin that can be filled with fluid, pus, or other material. Some cysts are painless, while others may become red, swollen, or tender. Cysts can appear anywhere on the body.

Causes of Cysts

Cysts can form because of:

Blocked oil or sweat glands
Infection
Genetic conditions
Injury to the skin
Chronic irritation of the skin

Prevention of Cysts

Keep skin clean and dry
Avoid squeezing or picking at bumps under the skin
Treat acne or skin infections early
Protect skin from injury or repeated friction

Treatment of Cysts (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)

Your doctor or home health nurse may recommend:

Observation – Small, painless cysts may not need treatment.
Warm compresses – Can help reduce swelling or pain.
Medications – Antibiotics if the cyst is infected.
Drainage or surgery – For larger or painful cysts, your doctor may remove it.
Dressing – If the cyst is drained or surgically removed, a sterile dressing will be applied.

Understanding Your Wound Dressing

A wound dressing protects the cyst site from germs and keeps it clean.
A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, torn, or has fallen off.

If your dressing is compromised:

Wash your hands.
Call your home health nurse or doctor for instructions.
Replace with a clean, sterile dressing if instructed.
Avoid touching the wound with unclean hands.

Signs of Infection or Complications

Call your nurse or doctor if you notice:

Redness or swelling around the cyst
Pain that gets worse
Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or chills
Hard lumps or rapidly growing cyst

Signs of worsening cyst include:

Cyst becomes very large or firm
Skin breaks open or drains without guidance
Persistent pain or tenderness
Red streaks on surrounding skin

When to Contact Your Nurse or Doctor vs. Going to the ER

Call your home health nurse or doctor for:
- Mild swelling, tenderness, or drainage
- Dressing changes or questions
- Small cysts that seem irritated but not infected
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- Large, painful, or rapidly growing cyst
- Severe infection signs (high fever, spreading redness, pus)
- Numbness, difficulty moving nearby body part
- Red streaks or swelling spreading quickly

Diet for Wound Healing

Eating the right foods helps your cyst site heal after drainage or surgery:

Protein: Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu
Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
Zinc: Nuts, seeds, whole grains
Fluids: Drink plenty of water

Special note: If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor or home health nurse before making diet changes.

Extra Tips for Healing

Keep the cyst area clean and dry
Avoid squeezing, popping, or scratching the cyst
Follow all instructions from your doctor and nurse
Monitor for any changes and report them promptly

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

True or False – A cyst is a sac under the skin filled with fluid or pus.
True or False – All cysts are painful and dangerous.
True or False – Blocked glands and infections can cause cysts.
True or False – You should try to pop or squeeze a cyst at home.
True or False – Small cysts may not need treatment.
True or False – Warm compresses can help reduce swelling.
True or False – Dressing a cyst site protects it from germs.
True or False – A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, or loose.
True or False – You should call your nurse if your dressing falls off.
True or False – Pus or foul-smelling drainage may indicate infection.
True or False – Fever after cyst drainage is not a concern.
True or False – Rapidly growing or very painful cysts need medical attention.
True or False – Red streaks on skin near the cyst are a warning sign.
True or False – Drinking water helps healing after cyst drainage.
True or False – Protein and vitamin C support wound healing.
True or False – You should avoid touching or scratching the cyst.
True or False – Small cysts that are not infected can be monitored.
True or False – Large, painful cysts may require drainage or surgery.
True or False – Patients with kidney problems should consult their nurse before changing diet.
True or False – Following your doctor’s instructions helps the cyst heal safely.

Answer Key and Explanations

True – A cyst is a sac under the skin containing fluid, pus, or other material.
False – Many cysts are small, painless, and harmless.
True – Blocked glands and infections are common causes.
False – Popping cysts can cause infection and complications.
True – Some cysts do not require treatment.
True – Warm compresses can help reduce discomfort.
True – Dressings protect the site from germs.
True – Wet, dirty, loose, or torn dressings are compromised.
True – Call your nurse for guidance if the dressing fails.
True – Pus or bad odor may indicate infection.
False – Fever may be a sign of infection and requires medical attention.
True – Large or painful cysts need medical care.
True – Red streaks can indicate infection spreading.
True – Fluids help tissue repair.
True – Protein and vitamin C support healing.
True – Avoid touching or scratching to prevent infection.
True – Small, non-infected cysts can be monitored.
True – Large cysts may require drainage or removal.
True – Kidney patients need guidance before dietary changes.
True – Following medical instructions ensures safe healing.