I have returned with an update (since my original 2012 posting), I get notified by email when someone new posts to this thread. I see a lot of you men are suffering from the "same condition" not just once but over again. Hopefully there is more understanding now on what is exactly going on with our cyst problem. Since it took me years to discover the real problem or root cause, I would like to share with you so that what worked for me, can work for you too. Its really a shame that the pharma industry which includes most dermatology, hide our condition from the public so that they make money in selling us products (the wrong ones) and visits to the doctors that cost money and insurance premiums.
Once you rule out STD/STI's, you too probably have a genetic skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris (aka KP). Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess amounts of the skin protein keratin, resulting in the formation of small, raised bumps in the skin often with surrounding redness. The excess keratin, which is the color of the person's natural skin tone, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle
Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 30-50% of the adult population and approximately 50-80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than in men, and is often present in otherwise healthy individuals. The skin condition is prevalent in persons of all ethnicities. No particular ethnicity is at higher risk for contracting keratosis pilaris. Although keratosis pilaris may manifest in persons of any age, it usually appears within the first decade of life and is more common in young children. In most cases, the condition gradually improves before age 30, however it can persist longer
From reading research, the genetic problem is either a defect in one of the 23 keratin genes, or is a hair follicle defect. KP comes in several forms. The type described most on this forum appear to be the hard keratin plug (hyperkeratinization) on the penis. As I have described in my 2012 post, there is a difference between Sebaceous Cyst and a Keratin Plug or cyst.
The percentage is quite high for people with a form of Keratosis Pilaris, which would make sense given the problem is hereditary, in the family gene pool. Cystic Acne is also genetic, doctors will confuse these two genetic conditions, treatments for each are opposite. KP also incorrectly gets diagnosed as HPV due to the hyperkeratinization, or hard plug. You will know its KP, when the entire plug comes out and literally leaves a hole in the skin.
Topical creams and lotions are currently the most commonly used treatment for keratosis pilaris, specifically those consisting of moisturizing or keratolytic treatments, including: urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin D, or topical retinoids such as tretinoin. Steroid creams can also be used as a treatment for KP
I found the best treatment so far is the exfoliating gloves combined with lactic acid creams and Aquaphor ointment. The reason so many here have suggested or doctors have suggested "applying a heat source" to the cyst, the theory is direct applied heat will "dissolve" the substance. Heat may work with a Sebaceous Cyst but will not work to dissolve a Keratin cyst. Keratin is what your hair and nail are made of, it has super glue like strength. This is why the hard plug must be removed, depending on size. If the plug ruptures under the penile skin, its becomes a plague so its important to get it out whole.
You are stuck with this condition for the rest of your life, its genetic. Best you can do is learn everything you can about KP, including a proper diagnoses. Ever since I learned about my two genetic conditions and how they relate, I have found by treating the KP first, it takes care of both conditions simultaneously and my overall skin, including penis, has improved.
It might not be "manly" to use exfoliating gloves and face creams, but if you suffer like I have, which has affected my personal relationships, don't worry about what others think.
Once you rule out STD/STI's, you too probably have a genetic skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris (aka KP). Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess amounts of the skin protein keratin, resulting in the formation of small, raised bumps in the skin often with surrounding redness. The excess keratin, which is the color of the person's natural skin tone, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle
Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 30-50% of the adult population and approximately 50-80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than in men, and is often present in otherwise healthy individuals. The skin condition is prevalent in persons of all ethnicities. No particular ethnicity is at higher risk for contracting keratosis pilaris. Although keratosis pilaris may manifest in persons of any age, it usually appears within the first decade of life and is more common in young children. In most cases, the condition gradually improves before age 30, however it can persist longer
From reading research, the genetic problem is either a defect in one of the 23 keratin genes, or is a hair follicle defect. KP comes in several forms. The type described most on this forum appear to be the hard keratin plug (hyperkeratinization) on the penis. As I have described in my 2012 post, there is a difference between Sebaceous Cyst and a Keratin Plug or cyst.
The percentage is quite high for people with a form of Keratosis Pilaris, which would make sense given the problem is hereditary, in the family gene pool. Cystic Acne is also genetic, doctors will confuse these two genetic conditions, treatments for each are opposite. KP also incorrectly gets diagnosed as HPV due to the hyperkeratinization, or hard plug. You will know its KP, when the entire plug comes out and literally leaves a hole in the skin.
Topical creams and lotions are currently the most commonly used treatment for keratosis pilaris, specifically those consisting of moisturizing or keratolytic treatments, including: urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin D, or topical retinoids such as tretinoin. Steroid creams can also be used as a treatment for KP
I found the best treatment so far is the exfoliating gloves combined with lactic acid creams and Aquaphor ointment. The reason so many here have suggested or doctors have suggested "applying a heat source" to the cyst, the theory is direct applied heat will "dissolve" the substance. Heat may work with a Sebaceous Cyst but will not work to dissolve a Keratin cyst. Keratin is what your hair and nail are made of, it has super glue like strength. This is why the hard plug must be removed, depending on size. If the plug ruptures under the penile skin, its becomes a plague so its important to get it out whole.
You are stuck with this condition for the rest of your life, its genetic. Best you can do is learn everything you can about KP, including a proper diagnoses. Ever since I learned about my two genetic conditions and how they relate, I have found by treating the KP first, it takes care of both conditions simultaneously and my overall skin, including penis, has improved.
It might not be "manly" to use exfoliating gloves and face creams, but if you suffer like I have, which has affected my personal relationships, don't worry about what others think.
a month and it's still healing, how long did they say it would take?
This might be a stupid question, but I have to get one of these removed. Only thing is mine is really only noticeable when I am erect. I won't have to be erect for the removal would I? I'd say that would be impossible anyway, to be erect knowing there's a scalpel coming at your ****. But it's difficult to see otherwise.
No, you will not or should not be erect for the procedure. The "worst" part is the local anesthetic given by needle, it picks a bit but then you feel nothing. If anything, the doctor should send your specimen to path lab to check for a hair in the cyst.
Good Luck
Good Luck
I went and had mine surgically removed yesterday. The cyst I had was quite small prob less than 1cm and was located on the under side of the shaft.
Just thought I'd give a detailed account since there's no much info around about this.
It was done at an in rooms procedure not in a hospital. I arrived, went into the room and sat on the chair. Dr told assistant that she wasn't required, due to the procedure being quite simple and for privacy reasons.
Dr positioned chair and asked me to pull down pants and underwear so area was exposed. Placed that surgical paper towel stuff over legs and under scrotum and another across the abdomen area, pretty much just leaving penis area exposed. Explained what he was going to be doing and then started.
First up was administering the local anesthetic. I was initially worried about this but was fine. I could barely feel the first needle, and after that it was numb and I didn't feel the following injections. I think he administered 4 injections into the skin directly around the cyst. Then went around and administered another 4 in the same areas. Waited for 5 mins for the anesthetic to kick in, tested the area and I said I couldn't feel anything so moved on to the next step.
He stuck down the surgical pad which is basically a sterile pad with a hole cut in to which my penis wen through. He cleaned the area and put betadine all over the penis, and then marked up where he was going to cut.
I looked away for the most part while the procedure was being done. The actual cutting part literally only took a couple of minutes. He removed the entire cyst intact and quite easily.
He then stitched the incision. I didn't get told how many stitches I got, but there were some internal and external stitches. I was surprise about the stitches due to the small size of the cyst, I wasn't even sure if I would have needed stitches. The stitches took about 5-10minutes.
He then applied tape over the stitches and water proof dressing pretty much a big bandaid.
All up from the time I got into the seat to the time I left was about 30mins. About 10mins prep and anesthetic, 5mins cutting and 10mins stitches and dressing.
The Dr was really cool and the procedure wasn't as awkward as I expected. I was more nervous in the lead up, but was fairly relaxed once I was sitting in the chair.
External stitches take up to 5 days to dissolve, internal stitches take up to 6 weeks!
Just thought I'd give a detailed account since there's no much info around about this.
It was done at an in rooms procedure not in a hospital. I arrived, went into the room and sat on the chair. Dr told assistant that she wasn't required, due to the procedure being quite simple and for privacy reasons.
Dr positioned chair and asked me to pull down pants and underwear so area was exposed. Placed that surgical paper towel stuff over legs and under scrotum and another across the abdomen area, pretty much just leaving penis area exposed. Explained what he was going to be doing and then started.
First up was administering the local anesthetic. I was initially worried about this but was fine. I could barely feel the first needle, and after that it was numb and I didn't feel the following injections. I think he administered 4 injections into the skin directly around the cyst. Then went around and administered another 4 in the same areas. Waited for 5 mins for the anesthetic to kick in, tested the area and I said I couldn't feel anything so moved on to the next step.
He stuck down the surgical pad which is basically a sterile pad with a hole cut in to which my penis wen through. He cleaned the area and put betadine all over the penis, and then marked up where he was going to cut.
I looked away for the most part while the procedure was being done. The actual cutting part literally only took a couple of minutes. He removed the entire cyst intact and quite easily.
He then stitched the incision. I didn't get told how many stitches I got, but there were some internal and external stitches. I was surprise about the stitches due to the small size of the cyst, I wasn't even sure if I would have needed stitches. The stitches took about 5-10minutes.
He then applied tape over the stitches and water proof dressing pretty much a big bandaid.
All up from the time I got into the seat to the time I left was about 30mins. About 10mins prep and anesthetic, 5mins cutting and 10mins stitches and dressing.
The Dr was really cool and the procedure wasn't as awkward as I expected. I was more nervous in the lead up, but was fairly relaxed once I was sitting in the chair.
External stitches take up to 5 days to dissolve, internal stitches take up to 6 weeks!
Continued.....
He said no sex or sports etc for 4 weeks. I wasn't expecting the recovering process to take so long. I thought maybe a week and then it would be pretty much back to normal. But no.
He said that the skin might take a few months to get back into shape, said something about the internal stitches were anchored to some tissue so I might be able to feel a lump in there for a few weeks and that the incision may not look even now but it should stretch back into shape in a few months, which I am a bit worried about. I went through this procedure to get rid of a small lump, I don't want it replaced with another lump or ugly scar. I will see how it progresses though.
The anesthetic lasted for about 5 hours, after which it started to sting, almost like burning. Took two panadine forte that he prescribed, but that didn't really make any difference, so it made for a restless nights sleep last night. This morning I took another two panadine forte and again didn't seem to stop the stinging feeling, not unbearable but can feel it. He also gave me 5 days worth of antibiotics to take to prevent any infection.
Have to go back for a follow up appointment in 7 days, at which time he will take the dressing off (if it hasn't fallen off beforehand).
I had try to subtly ask about the possibility of the stitches being a problem with erections through the night but he didn't really give an answer. Haven't had that problem as yet, probably cause it's still a little painful at the moment.
He said no sex or sports etc for 4 weeks. I wasn't expecting the recovering process to take so long. I thought maybe a week and then it would be pretty much back to normal. But no.
He said that the skin might take a few months to get back into shape, said something about the internal stitches were anchored to some tissue so I might be able to feel a lump in there for a few weeks and that the incision may not look even now but it should stretch back into shape in a few months, which I am a bit worried about. I went through this procedure to get rid of a small lump, I don't want it replaced with another lump or ugly scar. I will see how it progresses though.
The anesthetic lasted for about 5 hours, after which it started to sting, almost like burning. Took two panadine forte that he prescribed, but that didn't really make any difference, so it made for a restless nights sleep last night. This morning I took another two panadine forte and again didn't seem to stop the stinging feeling, not unbearable but can feel it. He also gave me 5 days worth of antibiotics to take to prevent any infection.
Have to go back for a follow up appointment in 7 days, at which time he will take the dressing off (if it hasn't fallen off beforehand).
I had try to subtly ask about the possibility of the stitches being a problem with erections through the night but he didn't really give an answer. Haven't had that problem as yet, probably cause it's still a little painful at the moment.
Will keep an update for anyone else that might come across this post and have a similar issue.
So it's day 4, don't have any pain at all now. I only used the panadine forte for the first and second night (didn't really make much difference) and haven't used any pain relief since. I have a fairly good tolerance to pain, but I don't feel any at all now.
Dr said to leave the surgical dressing on until my appointment with him in 4 days time. Can see blood on the dressing it so it seems weird that I don't have to change it, but I guess that's what the antibiotics are for.
Haven't had any issues with erections and the stitches as none have occurred, probably due to the big ass surgical dressing stuck on it.
Will update again after I get the dressing taken off by the Dr next week. By then the external stitches should have completely dissolved.
So it's day 4, don't have any pain at all now. I only used the panadine forte for the first and second night (didn't really make much difference) and haven't used any pain relief since. I have a fairly good tolerance to pain, but I don't feel any at all now.
Dr said to leave the surgical dressing on until my appointment with him in 4 days time. Can see blood on the dressing it so it seems weird that I don't have to change it, but I guess that's what the antibiotics are for.
Haven't had any issues with erections and the stitches as none have occurred, probably due to the big ass surgical dressing stuck on it.
Will update again after I get the dressing taken off by the Dr next week. By then the external stitches should have completely dissolved.
Link to another discussion
https://www.steadyhealth.com/topics/sebaceous-cyst-penis-removal-procedure?ts_em=ZGVhbi5tLmJhaWxleUBnbWFpbC5jb20%3D&p=1668170&email=new-reply#1668170
One week later, I went back to get dressing taken off, and DR got the top dressing off and then decided to leave the bottom layer on as it was pretty well stuck on, and felt like it was starting to pull apart the area the stitches had been holding together when he tried to remove it. He said the other dressing will come off in its own time. He said once that comes off to put a strip of some other dressing on, and once that comes off it should be fine. He thinks it is half way healed already, not sure how he came to that conclusion when he couldn't see through the dressing.
He said the internal anchor stitches will take at least another 5 weeks to dissolve so I will be able to feel them under the skin for a while yet. I can't feel them now thou due to the dressing staying on. Due to some of the horror stories I've read about internal stitches not dissolving I asked that they would def 100% dissolve and he said yes, but I maybe feel a small bit of scar tissue under the skin when they go. I said I didn't want to trade one lump for another and he said that if there was a small bump to massage it or "use it", it being my penis. Lol. I'm not sure how that helps but will def give it a go. Hopefully it all heals without any drama - in 5 weeks time.
He said no "contact sport" for another 3 weeks, I think he was meaning sex but wanted to sound polite.
Got erect a couple of times in the past few days, and stitches actually didn't feel like splitting and wasn't painful, so maybe they have some element of stretch to them. Dr didn't mention anything about this, he is a plastic surgeon that said he doesn't have much experience dealing with cysts on penis' so I'm not sure if he knew what sort of information would be handy or not.
He said the internal anchor stitches will take at least another 5 weeks to dissolve so I will be able to feel them under the skin for a while yet. I can't feel them now thou due to the dressing staying on. Due to some of the horror stories I've read about internal stitches not dissolving I asked that they would def 100% dissolve and he said yes, but I maybe feel a small bit of scar tissue under the skin when they go. I said I didn't want to trade one lump for another and he said that if there was a small bump to massage it or "use it", it being my penis. Lol. I'm not sure how that helps but will def give it a go. Hopefully it all heals without any drama - in 5 weeks time.
He said no "contact sport" for another 3 weeks, I think he was meaning sex but wanted to sound polite.
Got erect a couple of times in the past few days, and stitches actually didn't feel like splitting and wasn't painful, so maybe they have some element of stretch to them. Dr didn't mention anything about this, he is a plastic surgeon that said he doesn't have much experience dealing with cysts on penis' so I'm not sure if he knew what sort of information would be handy or not.
How long did yours take to heal. It have been just over two weeks for mine, and now the bandages are all off the external stitches have dissolved but underneath the incision line is really hard, I dunno if that's the internal stitches still there or scar tissue or a combination of both. There are also two small bumps at either end which looks like it could be the internal anchor stitches he used and also how he has stitches it back together. seems like a bit of a mess considering the cyst was
Looks like u have a chancre :a sign of syphillis if it's painless then definitely go see a doctor
Mmmm nah it was a cyst
Did yours turn out okay?
Yeh. Mines been about 7 weeks now and all seems fine. There's still a small bump which I'm not sure if it's the internal stitch still dissolving or some internal scar tissue. The dr said the scar tissue should start to reduced over the next few months. The external scar has healed pretty well, it's only barely noticeable. The healing process went smoother than i thought.
Man I just got one of these, it started with a small ball then about a week ago it poped and white stuff came out (not fluid) the next day it went like 3 times bigger now size of a small pea, should I wait abit more to see if it goes away to go to the gp?