What is the primary treatment for an infected Bartholin's duct cyst?

The primary treatment for an infected Bartholin's duct cyst is incision and drainage. This procedure is essential because when a Bartholin's cyst becomes infected, it can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a collection of pus that causes significant pain and discomfort. Incision and drainage allow for the removal of the infected material, facilitating healing and alleviating symptoms.

Once the cyst is incised, the infected fluid can drain out, and the clinician may also place a catheter or drain to ensure that the area remains open for further drainage, which helps prevent the cyst from refilling. This approach directly addresses the problem rather than simply managing symptoms.

Other treatments, such as warm compresses, may provide symptomatic relief, but they do not resolve the underlying infection or the cyst. Antiviral or antibiotic medications, like acyclovir or azithromycin, would be indicated only if there was a specific viral or bacterial infection present unrelated to the cyst itself. However, these medications would not be first-line treatments for an infected Bartholin's duct cyst. Thus, incision and drainage is the most effective and direct method to treat this condition.