Abscesses and Cysts
Abscesses and cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can form anywhere on the body.
To the untrained eye, they can be hard to tell apart. Both abscesses and cysts can be uncomfortable and may require medical treatment.
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a tender, infected area filled with pus. Abscesses can occur on your skin or inside your body. They form when your immune system fights an infection in one of your bodily tissues.
An abscess can form on its own or can occur when a cyst becomes infected.
Symptoms of an Abscess
What is a cyst
Cysts are sacs or cavities filled with fluid or pus. They can appear on your skin or anywhere inside your body. Some common types are the baker’s cyst (behind the knee), sebaceous cyst (under the skin) and ganglion cyst (along the tendons or joints of your wrists, hands or feet).
The cells that make up a cyst’s sac are different from those around them, but they usually aren’t cancerous. Cysts grow slowly and are not typically painful. A cyst is not considered a medical problem unless it bothers you or becomes sore or infected.
Abscess and Cyst Treatment
It’s not advisable to try draining an abscess or cyst yourself. Cyst popping at home can cause infection. Instead, keep the area clean, and make an appointment with a doctor if the area is painful or starts to drain.
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Injuries We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care can help when you or a family member is hurt. Our dedicated medical team will provide prompt, comprehensive and compassionate care to help you get better, faster.
This list contains are most frequently treated injuries. If you are experiencing pain from an injury not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a WellNow Urgent Care clinic near you or start a virtual care session.