Cysts are fairly common among different groups of people globally. A cyst is a tiny bump located just below the skin and which is filled with fluid or pus. For the most part, cysts do not pose any harm and will often resolve on their own with little or no need for intervention. It is important, however, to have in mind some of the natural remedies that you can use to manage skin cysts. The reason for this is simply because cysts can progress to the formation of boils. This occurs when the cysts become infected and start to show redness and filling of pus that has a characteristic bad odor.
Skin cysts are usually found on the face, the neck region and in the groin area.In some cases, cysts may form within the vicinity of foreign objects and more commonly, around piercings where the metal passes through the skin. These cysts grow slowly and are often smooth to touch. When infected, the skin cysts become warm to touch and possess a characteristic cheese-like substance. The good news is that there are a number of natural remedies available for the home treatment of cysts. These remedies offer an excellent alternative to popping the skin cysts, an action that is not only painful, but one which can leave unsightly scars on the skin.
1. Tea Tree Oil:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 1 Drop of tea tree oil, 9 drops of your choice carrier oil (olive oil is commonly used) and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy
Tea tree oil is one of the most integral home remedies for a host of conditions that affect the skin. The reason for this is that the oil is packed with excellent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are required for the proper treatment of skin cysts. When applied topically on the cyst, the oil creates a protective layer that helps shield it from bacterial infections. One of the advantages of using tea tree oil is that it helps decrease the chances of cyst recurrence.
NOTE: Due to the nature of tea tree oil, you may need to carry put a patch test to eliminate the likelihood of skin reaction.
Directions:
- Place a drop of the tea tree oil in a bowl and add 9 drops of the carrier oil. If you would like a greater amount of the remedy, simply use the ratio 1:9 to prepare the oil mixture.
- Soak the cotton wool in the oil mixture and dab it on the cyst. Use the remedy thrice daily until the cyst heals.
2. Aloe Vera Gel:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Freshly cut aloe vera leaf and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy
Aloe vera is best known for its soothing properties as a natural remedy. This works well for cysts that cause irritation on the skin. In addition to managing pain, aloe vera allows the cyst to heal speedily, thus reducing the chances of infection. The use of aloe vera gel is recommended because it is both simple and effective, and is certainly worth checking out.
Directions:
- Look out for the point where the leaf oozes the gel and collect this gel in a shallow bowl.
- Dip the cotton wool in the collected gel and dab it on the skin cyst. You will feel a cooling sensation which helps soothe the irritated skin cyst. Use this remedy thrice daily until the cyst resolves on its own.
3. Iodine Solution (Lugol’s):
Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Lugol’s iodine solution and Q-tip buds. Gloves (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
Ioodine solution has long been used to manage and promote the healing of skin cysts. It is particularly effective for infected cysts as it goes a long way in providing a hostile environment to minimize the survival of viruses and bacteria. The Q-tip buds make application easier, while the gloves are designed to prevent staining of the clothes.
Directions:
- Place the iodine solution in a shallow lid before dipping the Q-tip buds in it.
- Use the Q-tip buds to apply the iodine on the cysts, making sure you massage gently.
- Ensure that you use this remedy thrice daily until the cyst is completely healed.
4. Hot Compress for Sebaceous Cysts:
Time Required: 25 Min
What You Need: Hot water (medium hot, not boiling hot) and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy
Hot compresses are used for a wide variety of conditions, mainly because heat has a tendency to speed up the healing process. The heat applied causes the blood vessels surrounding the affected skin to dilate. This not only aids the transportation of nutrients required for the nourishment of the damaged skin, it also improves the circulation of blood around the cyst. This increased flow allows for the elimination of toxins which have the capacity to cause infection and inflammation of the cyst.
Directions:
- Place the clean towel in the hot water and soak for a few minutes.
- Carefully draw out the towel and wring out the excess water.
- You will then place this towel on the cyst for about 10 minutes.
- Once the heat dissipates, repeat processes 1-3 once more. Be careful not to use this remedy for more than 30 minutes in any given opportunity as too much heat provides just the right environment for the proliferation of bacteria.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until you ascertain that the cyst has healed completely.
5. Castor Oil:
Time Required: 40 Min
What You Need: Castor oil, a clean piece of cloth and hot compress. Q-tips (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
Castor oil is an effective home remedy for the natural treatment of cysts. These healing properties are attributed to the presence of a chemical compound known as ricin whose potent anti-bacterial traits make it a preferred remedy. Whether the cysts are infected or not, it helps to use castor oil as a preventive measure. The addition of the hot compress to this remedy is intended to aid in the drainage of the fluid or pus from the cyst.
NOTE: The hot compress used in this remedy should be of medium heat; excessive heat only creates the perfect environment for the proliferation of the infection-causing bacteria.
Directions:
- Soak the piece of cloth in the castor oil to get the most out of the oil’s healing benefits.
- Place the soaked piece of cloth on the cyst and hold it in place for a few minutes.
- You will then place the hot compress on top of the castor-soaked piece of cloth.
- Hold the hot compress in place for about half an hour.
- Alternatively, simply dip Q-tips in the castor oil and apply directly over the cyst.
- Use these remedies thrice daily for best results.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and cotton ball. Warm water (optional for the purposes of dilution).
Difficulty: Easy
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a super remedy in the management of cysts. It has excellent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which make it an ideal agent for treating cysts and preventing infections of the same. One of the advantages of using ACV is that it also acts as a cleansing agent, allowing the skin to breathe with ease.
Just as is the case with tea tree oil, you need to consider whether your skin sensitivity may hamper the efficiency of ACV for the cyst treatment. To do this, you need to carry out a skin patch test. If your skin feels irritated, consider diluting the ACV with water using a 1:1 ratio, working your way upwards until you find what works best for you.
Directions:
- Soak the cotton wool in the ACV so that it has just enough amount of ACV for the treatment of the cyst. If you have sensitive skin, remember to dilute the ACV before soaking the cotton wool in it.
- Apply the ACV to the cyst and hold it in place for about 15 minutes.
- Discard the used cotton wool. Remember to repeat this remedy thrice daily for best results.
7.Milk:
Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Half a glass of cold milk, a black tea bag, a bandage and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
One of the golden rules when it comes to the use of natural remedies for the treatment of cysts is to avoid popping the unsightly skin marks. The rationale behind this guide is to avoid the possibility of infection while eliminating the likelihood of scarring. Milk has the incredible ability to draw out toxins which in turn help eliminate infections within the cyst. This shrinks the cyst considerably, eventually allowing the re-absorption of the skin with complete healing. The black tea bag also helps draw toxins too, and the tannins present in the tea bag soothe the cyst in cases of irritation.
Directions:
- Soak the black tea bag in the cold milk so that it is completely covered.
- Place the soaked tea bag on the cyst and press firmly but gently.
- Tie the bandage over the cyst and let it stay overnight. If you are time-strapped, you can let the bandage stay on for half an hour.
- Remove the bandage and rinse the cyst with warm water. Use this remedy until you get rid of the cyst.
8. Baking Soda:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: 2 Tablespoons of baking soda, half a cup of warm water and enough warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy
Baking soda is loved for its healing powers when dealing with skin cysts. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, the baking soda paste you prepare using the directions provided below helps to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation is an ideal method of getting rid of impurities in the skin, thus drawing out any infections present within the skin. Other benefits of using baking water and paste include the restoration of the skin’s pH levels as well as the natural glow.
Directions:
- Place the baking soda in shallow bowl and add just enough water to create a thick paste.
- Scoop some of this paste and apply on the cyst.
- Let the paste remain on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until the cyst is healed and you are satisfied with the results.
- The best way to get the most out of this remedy is to make it a part of your regular skin care routine as it is both easy to prepare and extremely effective.
9. Coconut Oil:
Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 5 Drops of unrefined coconut oil, cotton balls and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy
Coconut oil is a great natural anti-bacterial which makes it just perfect for the natural treatment of cysts. This not only prevents the acceleration of infection, it also helps the skin remain moisturized. This is, in fact, is one of the simple ways of keeping cysts at bay.
Directions:
- Soak the cotton wool in the coconut oil before dabbing it on the cyst.
- Rub the affected skin gently and allow the remedy to stay on overnight.
- Rinse off the oil the next day using warm water.
- Use this remedy at least twice daily until you notice a significant improvement in the appearance of the cysts.
Other natural remedies that you can use to manage cysts include a clay mask which is an excellent exfoliant, a honey mask that reduces inflammation and soothes the irritated skin as well as paste made from Sandalwood and Rose water. The Sandalwood paste soothes the cyst and the affected skin, thus speeding up the healing process.
Turmeric has also been shown to be ideal in the treatment of cysts as it is one of the most effective naturally occurring healing herb. Most people overlook this, but you would be surprised at how great using good old soap and water is in the treatment of cysts. Caution should be exercised during soaping however, to avoid popping the cysts and causing the spread of infections.