Sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous, small growths on the skin that are usually painless, but do cause redness and irritation of the skin that surrounds them. They are formed when there is a blockage or damage to the ducts of sebaceous glands, and they are comprised of a sac which secretes keratin. They most usually occur on the parts of the body which produce a lot of sebum such as the neck, face, back, chest, and shoulders.
Anyone and everyone can get a sebaceous cyst at some point due to various reasons. Shaving, sweating, exposure to the sun, waxing, and excessive production of testosterone can all cause a cyst to form, so knowing how to get rid of them at home is definitely helpful, especially if you fall into the high-likelihood category of people (for example, individuals who suffer from adult acne). Below you will find some of the possible home remedies for sebaceous cysts, so read on for more useful information.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known remedy for a lot of skin issues, so sebaceous cysts are no different. It contains the acetic acid that helps kill the bacteria which causes an infection. You can apply apple cider vinegar directly onto the cyst and cover it with a clean bandage. You can do this every day for at least one week, after which a hard layer should form over the cyst. You can remove this layer gently and drain out the cyst contents. Make sure to clean the whole area and dry it completely.
Warm Compress
This is a quite simple home remedy that only requires a clean washcloth and hot water. Soak a washcloth and squeeze it out to remove the excess water. Apply over the cyst and leave it on for about ten minutes. You can repeat this three or four times a day, and you should see improvement in the healing process and increased blood circulation. Just make sure that the water is not too hot, as that can cause additional infections.
Castor Oil
Take a cotton swab and put a few drops of castor oil on it. Apply directly over the cyst and cover with a hot water bag. The heat combined with castor oil will help shrink the size of the cyst. You can also mix a pinch of baking soda with castor oil and apply it to the cyst.
Honey as a Remedy
Organic honey is a remedy for a lot of issues and it is very effective against sebaceous cysts. To make this treatment you will need a banana, wheatgrass, and some organic honey. Blend all the ingredients in a blender and apply to the cyst. Cover with a clean bandage and leave overnight.
Another option is to mix about three tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of cinnamon and apply over the cyst. Leave on for 30 or so minutes. Also, you can whisk an egg and add one tablespoon of honey to it and smear it over the cyst as well.
Cabbage
Cabbage leaves are very effective in the fight against sebaceous cysts. Simply boil some cabbage leaves, let them cool a bit, and apply over the cyst like you would a washcloth. Cover the leaf with a clean bandage and leave overnight. In the morning, remove the leaf and apply a new one.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well known for its healing powers and it can break down the cysts and help the skin go back to its natural state. To make this treatment, boil half a tablespoon of turmeric in one cup of water, let it cool down, and drink this each night for ten days.
You can also mix mint juice and turmeric and form a paste. Apply this paste over the cyst and leave it on for about twenty minutes before washing it off. You can also add some organic honey and lemon juice to this mixture for better results.
Tea Bag
Tea has many anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it can be a good method of treating sebaceous cysts. Soak one tea bag in a glass of milk for about ten minutes and then place it over a cyst and leave overnight. You can wrap a clean bandage over it to keep it in place.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is famous for its beneficial properties and it helps to reduce the inflammation and improve the overall immune system. You can purchase a colloidal silver ointment and apply it over the sebaceous cyst. This will stimulate the lymphatic fluid flow and help reduce the size of sebaceous cysts.
Baking Soda
To make this remedy, mix baking soda, salt, and some water to form a paste. Spread it over the cyst and leave it on for about twenty minutes. Baking soda will maintain the pH levels of the skin and control the growth of bacteria, thus giving relief from itching and burning sensation.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen can be taken each day, one or two tablespoons at a time, and it is also available in the form of pills. It helps fight the sebaceous cysts due to the fact that it is a natural blood purifier and a great immune system builder.
Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C which is amazing when it comes to the removal of dead skin cells, therefore, it is a good remedy for sebaceous cysts. Simply put a slice of potato over a cyst and cover with a clean and dry bandage. Leave it overnight and remove in the morning. Another option is to apply some potato juice over the cyst and leave overnight.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so it is quite effective in combatting fungal and bacterial infections, and also great for getting rid of sebaceous cysts. You can apply two or three drops of tea tree oil directly to your cyst and cover with a band-aid, or alternatively, mix it with a carrier oil and apply that mixture.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many antibiotic properties and it is great for skin issues, and a very good remedy for sebaceous cysts. You can squeeze aloe vera juice directly to the cyst several times a day until you are satisfied with the results. Also, you can drink aloe vera juice each day for faster results.
Witch Hazel
You can apply witch hazel gel over the cyst, twice or thrice a day, for about a week to reduce the size of a sebaceous cyst and take care of the infection. Additionally, you can grind leaves or bark of witch hazel and mix it with water and apply directly to the cyst.
Echinacea
This one is really simple and quite effective at the same time. Simply steep a few leaves of Echinacea for seven to ten minutes and strain the mixture into a separate bowl. Let everything cool and drink this tea several times a day. Echinacea tea will improve the white blood cells count and give a much-needed boost to your immune system, thus reducing the infection and inflammation caused by a sebaceous cyst.
Dandelion
Dandelion is rich in taraxacin, which is a natural antibiotic. Simply boil one bag of dried dandelion in about four cups of water, let simmer for 45 minutes, and strain. Let it cool for a few minutes and drink this tea four times a day. You can also add a bit of organic honey to it, and use this treatment for about a week to see results.
Burdock
Burdock is a well-known herb famous for its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the treatment of various skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, boils, hives, and, of course, sebaceous cysts. It is quite popular in China and Japan in their cuisine, but also in alternative medicine.
To make burdock tea you will need one tablespoon of dried burdock root, or two tablespoons of fresh, coarsely chopped burdock root, three cups of water, and honey. Boil the herb and let it simmer for approximately thirty minutes over lower heat. After the time is up, remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Drink this tea two or three times a day and add a bit of honey to each cup to enhance the healing properties of the herb and speed up the healing process. Just be careful not to have too much of it, as it is also a strong diuretic.
Red Clover
Red clover is known as a natural blood purifier, and it is popular due to its beneficial effects on acne, eczema, and sebaceous cysts. You can make red clover tea very simply. Boil about three teaspoons of dry red clover flowers in three cups of water, let it steep for 15 minutes, strain, and drink up to three times a day. Alternatively, you can make a red clover paste by chopping some flowers and adding a bit of water to them. Apply this over the cyst and cover with a clean bandage.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is rich in berberine, which is a powerful anti-microbial agent, known for its ability to kill harmful microorganisms. To make a salve for sebaceous cysts, you will need about one cup of dry goldenseal herb, olive oil, and four to six teaspoons of beeswax. Put the herb in a pot and cover it with oil so that it is approximately one inch higher than the herb. Heat over low heat for four to five hours. Let everything cool down a bit and strain with a cheesecloth. Add beeswax and stir it in to make it melt, and stop adding beeswax when you reach desired consistency. You can apply this natural salve directly onto your cyst three times a day.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract can be used as a treatment option for sebaceous cysts, as it is a natural germicide. You will need one drop of seed extract that you can apply directly onto your cyst. Cover it with a bandage and repeat several times a day for best results.
Antifungal Creams
Anti-fungal creams can also be a treatment option for sebaceous cysts. You can apply one of these creams directly onto the cyst and cover it with a clean bandage if needed. This will reduce the inflammation and give you a relief from the itching sensation that often comes with sebaceous cysts.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
As always, it is always better to prevent than to treat. Keeping a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water is essential when it comes to prevention and treatment of sebaceous cysts. Eating whole grains, citrus fruits, garlic, green leafy vegetables, and including fish oil in your diet can definitely help with the overall health.
Keep the area around the cyst clean at all times, and if it happens to pop on its own, wash the area with antibacterial soap. Before touching your cyst, make sure to wash your hands, and if you are applying something to it, cover it with a clean gauze or bandage. When it comes to skin care products, use ones that do not contain oil or other harmful chemicals.
You should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and avoid scratching and squeezing the cyst. This can lead to pus drainage that can spread the infection to other parts of the body and lead to bleeding. Additionally, try to avoid salty and spicy foods, and steer clear of caffeinated drinks.
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