Dr. Parvin Shafa | October 13, 2025
Cysts can do more than just change the skin’s surface. These painful, swollen lumps form deep under the skin and can last for weeks. And when they do go away, they don’t leave quietly. A lot of people are left with marks that are discolors, skin that is uneven, or permanent scars. Some people also see the same cysts return back to the same location over and over.
At OC MedDerm in Irvine, CA, we help patients understand why cysts leave scars, why they come back, and what you can do to stop or deal with them. Understanding how cysts form and how they act over time is the key to keep your skin safe and prevent future breakouts.
Cysts are pockets of tissue that can form anywhere on the body. They could have pus, fluid, oil, keratin, or other things in them. Cysts are usually not dangerous, but if you don’t treat them, they can become painful, swollen, and hard to deal with.
The dermis, which is the deepest layer of skin, is where cysts normally originate. This is not the same as acne that is on the outside. The following types of cysts are more likely to harm the skin:
Cysts might feel like lumps under the skin that are soft or hard. They can be different sizes, hurt when you touch them, and if they are infected, they can leak or split open. Most cysts don’t hurt, but if they keep coming back or hurt, you should visit a doctor to stop them from getting worse.
Even when a cyst goes away or drains, it might leave scars that endure a long time. Cysts usually hurt more tissue than acne on the surface since they grow deep in the skin. The healing process affects not only the surface of the skin but also deeper layers, which raises the risk of alterations that last a long time.
Some common long-term effects of cysts are:
Cysts stretch and disrupt the normal structure of the skin, so treating them early can help reduce long-term damage. If you don’t treat them or try to pop them, the inflammation can get worse and the chance of scarring or recurrence goes up.
Yes, cysts can leave scars after they heal, especially if they are large, deep, or inflamed. Not every cyst, though, leaves a permanent scar. There are a lot of factors that can affect the chances of scarring, such as the size and depth of the cyst, how long it remains untreated, and whether it gets infected or is picked at.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is when dark spots or discoloration stay on the skin after inflammation. Depending on your skin tone, these marks may be red, brown, or purple. While PIH isn’t a real scar, it can last for weeks or even months.
Atrophic scars: These look like shallow depressions or pitted marks on the skin. They form when collagen is lost during healing and the skin can’t completely rebuild the tissue.
Hypertrophic scars: These are thick, raised scars that happen when the skin makes too much collagen. They stay inside the cyst, but they can feel hard or itchy.
Keloids: Keloids are scars that are raised and grow outside of the cyst’s original area. A lot of the time, they can be shiny, hard, and uncomfortable. People who are more likely to get keloids are those who have a family history of them.
Taking care of your skin and getting help early can make a big difference. Gentle washing, avoiding irritation, and going to the dermatologist when necessary can lower the risk of permanent scarring and help the skin heal better in the long run.
Cysts often come back because the underlying problems that caused them initially haven’t been fixed. If a cyst comes back in the same spot, it usually means that the skin is still having problems, like a clogged follicle, chronic inflammation, or tissue damage that hasn’t fully healed. To keep your skin healthy for a long time and avoid getting it again, you need to know what causes it.
Here are the most common reasons why cysts keep coming back:
Hormones play a big role in how the body makes oil (sebum). Hormonal changes, that happen during puberty, pregnancy, or hormonal disorders, can make the sebaceous glands work too hard. When there is too much oil, it can block pores and cause cysts. Hormonal cysts tend to come back in the same spots, like the back, chin, or jawline.
Inflammation that happens a lot or doesn’t go away can weaken the walls of hair follicles and make it harder for them to heal. This constant cycle of irritation and partial healing can make it easier for new cysts to grow, often in the same spot as the first one. Cystic acne and other inflammatory skin conditions make it more likely that the problem will come back.
Dead skin cells, oil, and debris can build up and block a pore, trapping bacteria and putting pressure on the follicle. If the blockage isn’t completely removed or the pore lining is damaged, the area could be more likely to develop cysts again. Because the skin is weak, another cyst may form even if the first one flattens or drains.
Wearing tight clothes, helmets, and backpacks, as well as sitting for long periods of time, can all put repeated pressure or friction on certain body parts. This can irritate the skin and make cysts grow. This is especially common with cysts in the groin, thigh, or shoulder, or pilonidal cysts near the tailbone. Mechanical stress can cause flare-ups to happen again and again, and it can also make healing harder.
Some people are more likely to get cysts because of the way their skin is naturally. If you have a family history of cystic acne, pilonidal cysts, or other related conditions, you may be more likely to get cysts again and again, even if you take good care of your skin. In these cases, early intervention and ongoing management are very important.
Cysts don’t come back on their own. If you have cysts that keep coming back, whether because of hormones, inflammation, or pressure, it’s a sign of a more serious problem that needs special care. Finding and treating the root cause is the best way to break the cycle and protect your skin over time.
When the skin stretches rapidly than it can adapt, the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, tears, resulting in stretch marks. This frequently occurs during times when the body changes rapidly like during pregnancy, puberty, intense weight training, or unexpected weight gain. The affected skin therefore grows thinner, structurally weaker, and prone to irritation or damage.
Sometimes, cysts can grow inside or near these stretch marks. Because the skin is more delicate in these places, it might not heal or defend itself as well as a normal healthy tissue. Because of this vulnerability, it is easier for hair follicles or pores to become clogged, inflamed, or infected, which can result in the development of cysts. Additional risk factors include sweating, friction from clothing, and repeated pressure.
Cysts that develop in stretch marks might not be noticed early on, particularly if they are tiny and painless. However, depending on their depth and location, they may cause tightness, discomfort, or even sharp pain as they enlarge or become irritated.
Do not scrub or apply pressure to a stretch mark if a cyst develops there. These cysts should be examined by a medical practitioner because they are prone to irritation or infection.
A pilonidal cyst is a specific type of cyst that usually forms near the cleft at the base of the spine, just above the buttocks. These cysts happen when hair, skin debris, or other things get stuck under the skin’s surface. This usually happens because of friction, pressure, or sitting for a long time. The term “Pilonidal” literally means “nest of hair,” which is one of the main things that causes them to form.
These cysts are more common in young adults, especially men, and they often happen to people who sit for long periods of time, like drivers, desk workers, or cyclists. Wearing tight clothes and excessive sweating in the lower back area can also create right environment for these cysts to form.
Over time, the material that is confined can cause an immune response, which can cause swelling, inflammation, and, in many cases, infection. Once infected, a pilonidal cyst may fill with pus and become extremely painful, making everyday movements like sitting, bending, or walking uncomfortable. Some cysts form sinus tracts, which are small channels that run under the skin and connect different cyst pockets or lead to external openings.
Pilonidal cysts don’t usually go away on their own. Warm compresses or antibiotics may help with early cases, but most cysts that are infected or won’t go away on their own definitely need medical help. Cyst removal through Incision and drainage is a common treatment. It is a small surgery that gets rid of fluid and debris. Surgical excision may be necessary to completely remove the cyst and stop it from coming back.
The treatment and prevention of cysts depend on several factors, including their type, location, severity, and whether they’re inflamed or infected. Some small cysts may go away on their own, but others will stay, recur, or get worse without medical care. For long-term skin health, it’s important to understand professional treatment options and daily prevention strategies.
You should see a dermatologist or doctor if a cyst is painful, swollen, or infected. Some common treatments are:
Daily skin care is very important for lowering the risk of cyst formation and helping the skin heal after a flare-up. Regular care can help keep pores clear and balance oil production.
Cysts can form because of the way you live, especially in places where there is a lot of friction, sweat, or hormonal changes. These adjustments can help reduce triggers:
Being consistent is the key. Whether you’re managing cystic acne, pilonidal cysts, or recurring sebaceous cysts, combining proper skincare with supportive lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
| Myth | Fact |
| You can pop cysts like pimples | Cysts grow deeper in the skin and don’t have a clear opening. Popping them can push the stuff inside deeper, which makes it more likely that you’ll get an infection, swelling, or scarring. |
| Teenagers are the only ones who get cysts | Anyone can get cysts. Adults frequently develop cysts due to hormonal fluctuations, friction, clogged follicles, or underlying skin conditions. |
| To keep cysts from forming, you should exfoliate | Over-exfoliating can damage the skin’s protective barrier, which can cause irritation and inflammation and even make cysts worse. |
| Cysts are all related to acne | Cystic acne is common, but pilonidal, sebaceous, and epidermoid cysts are not related to acne and are often caused by blocked glands or friction. |
Some cysts may get smaller in size or calm down on their own with gentle care at home, but others need to see a doctor to avoid problems or long-term skin damage. A board-certified dermatologist can identify the type of cyst you’re dealing with, evaluate the condition of your skin, and recommend an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to get personalized care and peace of mind.
You should see a medical professional if:
Early assessment and intervention can help stop the problem from happening again, lower the chances of scarring, and often stop the need for more invasive procedures later.
Cysts are more than just a nuisance on the skin; they can cause ongoing pain, recurring breakouts , and scars that last a long time and affect your appearance and confidence. For long-term skin health, it’s important to know what causes problems, spot them early, and give the right care.
Taking action early can make a big difference in how well a cyst heals, even if it looks small or harmless at first. If you have a single flare-up or are dealing with chronic cyst formation, the best way to manage cysts and avoid future problems is to combine regular skin care, professional help, and healthy lifestyle habits.
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