Question
Thanks for the question. I do think that you should see your dermatologist or gp early to get the cyst examined. That is is becoming red and painful is an indication that it may be becoming infected or inflamed.
Your doctor will assess to see if antibiotics are required or if drainage or excision of the cyst is necessary.
This swelling over the dorsum of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) of the thumb appears to be a mucous cyst. A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled balloon arising from the IPJ of the thumb. It is commonly associated with wear-and-tear, or osteoarthritis, of the IPJ of the thumb. Overuse and increased motion in the IPJ may cause more joint fluid to fill this cyst, which in turn causes an increase in: pain, redness and swelling at this site. Unfortunately, the only effective treatment for a mucous cyst is surgery.
I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering from this for the last 2 years. From the pictures, it does not seem to by a typical acne cyst. It may not even have been a pimple right from the start. I would suggest quickly seeing a dermatologist for your condition. There are various ways of removing this lesion which has good cosmetic outcomes. If necessary, he/she may also suggest sending the lesion for further testing depending on your consult. Hope this helps!
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