A new surgical approach for treating infected epidermoid cysts using delayed primary closure.

A new surgical approach for treating infected epidermoid cysts was designed. This technique involves the lesion being incised and drained on the first day, 5-7 days after which it is removed together with the cyst wall excised parallel to Langer's tension lines. The wound is then closed by delayed primary closure. We employed this method in the treatment of 12 patients and observed the average time required for recovery (n = 12) was 18.6 +/- 2.5 days (mean +/- SD) and the number of days spent at the outpatient clinic, 10.2 +/- 2.6. There has been no recurrence or secondary infections in any of the patients to date.