What's New in Acne and Cyst Treatment from a Memphis Dermatologist

George R. Woodbury Jr. M.D.
Sep 11
4 min read

by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. - Cordova Dermatologist 09/11/2025;

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with an Acne patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury explains Acne to a patient

If you or a family member has a new nodule in your skin, now’s a great time to get the lesion diagnosed by a Board-certified Dermatologist. This nodule could be a Cyst, the result of a skin infection, or it could be a type of Skin Cancer called Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dermatologists like myself often can manage a new skin nodule by inspection or by doing a Skin Surgery wherein the lesion is removed surgically. So let’s take at what’s new in Cyst Treatment, my perspective being that of a Memphis Dermatologist, with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, since 1993.

An Acne Cyst is the result of a clogged pore — Patient with a Cyst or Acne Cyts on his back

So what is a Cyst?

A Cyst in the skin, sometimes called a Sebaceous Cyst or a Pilar Cyst, often develops after a gland in the skin becomes infected. Then the body either expels that infected gland to the skin surface, causing an abscess or boil, or else contains the infection, building up a type of cyst sack around it. The result is a skin nodule.

A Cyst can be removed by a Dermatologic Surgeon through Dermatologic Surgery — A Cyst can sometimes also be called a Sebaceous Cyst or an Epidermal Cyst

The problem is that a cyst sack is at risk of leakage or rupture if it gets traumatized, leading to an active skin infection, a type of skin emergency. If a cyst is actively infected, Dermatologists like myself often do a procedure called an incision and drainage, putting a shot into the cyst, then making a cut into it, allowing the pus to drain.

It’s ideal later to get the cyst sack removed, with a cyst excision: the cyst is numbed up or anesthetized, with a local shot, then cut out, the site frequently being closed with stiches.

Cordova Dermatologist discussing clogged pores with an Acne patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury talking with an Acne patient

This excision procedure leaves a scar, and sometimes even a raised scar called a Keloid, so we Dermatologists advise the patient whether it’s best to completely remove the cyst with stitches. The advantage is that the lesion can be sent off to the Dermatopathology Laboratory to be checked for Skin Cancer, because the lesion might actually be a cystic Basal Cell Skin Cancer or even a Melanoma. If a scar or Keloid results from the excision, we can treat the site later with steroid injections to reduce the scar.

Acne patient before and after treatment with oral antibiotics and retinoids — Acne patient before and after treatment

Cysts are often related to underlying Acne, which is due to clogging or occlusion of the opening of hair follicles to the skin surface, creating blackheads and whiteheads, and even papules (pimples). The good news is that there are now many new promising treatments for Acne, including new topical (meaning for use on top of the skin) Vitamin A or Retinoid products – including Aklief® (Trifarotene), Winlevi ® (Clascoterone Gel), and a new oral antibiotic – Seysara® (Sarecycline) – complementing existing oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, Retin A® or Tretinoin Cream and Gel – and Azelex® and even oral Accutane® (Isotretinoin) and Spironolactone.

Scarlet developed a type of Skin Cancer called Melanoma at the age of 26 — Scarlet Akins developed Melanoma while pregnant

A best first move is a consultation with a Board-certified Dermatologist for a skin check-up, an especially high priority for people with skin lesions that could be cancerous. Check out “Understanding the Melanoma Crisis: Scarlet’s Story,’ a 2018 movie sponsored by my Dermatology practice on Youtube.

Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury discussing Melanoma with a young patient — Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury talking about Skin Cancer with a patient

My own Memphis Dermatology practice is with Rheumatology and Dermatology (www.Rheumderm.com), in Memphis, TN, near Germantown, Bartlett, and Arlington (8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018 1-901-753-0168). Or you could find a Board-certified Dermatologist close to you, or a “Best Dermatologist Near Me” or “Best Dermatologists Near Me” by going to the American Academy of Dermatology’s “Find a Dermatologist” site (AAD.org). Plug in your zip code, and you’ll be able to find a list of Dermatologists near you.

Big River Silk Skincare Inc. manufactures and distributes Antiwrinkle Cream and Acne Wash — Big River Silk Skincare is all about simplifying skincare products

And if you have oily or combination skin and complexion issues, a company of which I am President – Big River Silk Skincare – manufactures and distributes a helpful cleanser – AmberSoy™ Soap Gel – which can be used as a type of skin mask, for 3-5 minutes prior to washing off (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com). We also manufacture anti-wrinkle cream with Glycolic Acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion and GlycoShea Hand&Body Lotion, which which can be used as an exfoliating moisturizer or exfoliation agent by people who wish to promote clear skin.

Couple with Exfoliant on their faces to counteract clogging of pores — Couple with Exfoliating Moisturizer on their faces

The products of Big River Silk Skincare can be purchased on site at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018 – Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM – or on the web: https://www.Bigriversilkskincare.com. USPS shipping and handling for U.S. orders is $7.50 for orders under $75.00, otherwise complimentary shipping and handling.