Which is a typical initial management step for a sebaceous cyst?

• A. IV antibiotics
• B. Incision to drain the cyst
• C. Daily cleansing with antiseptic cleanser
• D. Surgical excision of surrounding tissue

Answer: (B)

Initial management focuses on decompressing an inflamed sebaceous cyst to relieve pain and reduce infection risk. Incision to drain the cyst quickly removes collected material and lowers pressure, creating a safer situation for later definitive treatment. After the swelling settles, the definitive step is surgical removal of the cyst wall to prevent recurrence. IV antibiotics aren’t needed unless there’s systemic infection or spreading cellulitis, daily antiseptic cleansing helps hygiene but doesn’t resolve the cyst, and removing surrounding tissue isn’t appropriate because the goal is to remove the cyst itself, not extra tissue.