Digital Mucous Cyst Medication

  • Author: Murad Alam, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 15, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Many medications have been used for the treatment of digital mucous cysts. At present, injectable corticosteroids commonly are used, and the most frequently administered agent is triamcinolone acetonide. If a ruptured or partially treated cyst becomes infected, antibiotic therapy with a penicillin or cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin) may be indicated. Silver nitrate and heparin cream also have been used. Currently, no standard doses exist for heparin or for silver nitrate.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

May result in involution or shrinkage of the cyst. Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, these agents modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Triamcinolone (Aristocort)

 

Used in dermatology for its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability. Dilute with isotonic sodium chloride solution to a concentration of 2.5-5 mg/mL prior to injection. Total quantity injected may be 0.10 mL or less and a 30-gauge needle is used.

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Anti-infectives

Class Summary

Treat skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible organisms.

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Cephalexin (Keflex, Biocef)

 

First-generation cephalosporin arrests bacterial growth by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bactericidal activity against rapidly growing organisms. Primary activity against skin flora; used for skin infections or prophylaxis in minor procedures.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Murad Alam, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Otolaryngology, and Surgery; Chief, Section of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University; Director, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Murad Alam, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, American Society of Transplantation, Dermatology Foundation, Illinois Dermatological Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Melanie Warycha, MD  Procedural Dermatology Fellow, Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Melanie Warycha, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Medical Dermatology Society, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Natalie Ann Kim  Tulane University School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard K Scher, MD  Adjunct Professor of Dermatology, University of North Carolina; Professor Emeritus of Dermatology, Columbia University

Richard K Scher, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary Farley, MD  Dermatologic Surgeon/Mohs Surgeon, Anne Arundel Surgery Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author David Bickers, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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Digital mucous cyst proximal to nail unit.
Digital mucous cyst at proximal nail fold.
Histopathology of digital mucous cyst.
 
 
 
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