Sebaceous cyst is a small sac like lump on the skin, usually filled with greasy material that looks like cheese (yeah, that’s so yuck!) referred to as sebum. This condition can be caused by several factors that include swelling of the hair follicle, blockage of oil or sebaceous glands, high testosterone or steroid hormone levels, surgical wound, basal cell nevus, exposure to sun and the use of anabolic steroids or plugged ducts at the hair follicle.
Sebaceous Cysts Symptoms and Appearance You Need to Be Aware Of
Cysts mostly appear on the scalp, ears, face, back, and scrotum or on the upper arm. The cyst is characterized by a bump or lump under the skin, which is usually painless; though if injured, may be painful. In case of infection, the nature, content and surrounding capsule changes and the cyst assumes a reddish color and becomes irritating.
Home Remedies for Sebaceous Cyst You Must Remember
There are home remedies, which involve use of common items within the home unit can be used to cure the condition of the cyst development. The treatment may include precautionary measures or physical therapy and use of domestic products. Foremost, the lump should not be squeezed, scratched or punctured because by doing this it can irritate or inflame the lump and give room for infections or lead to bleeding, and therefore should be left to drain out naturally.
1. Washing the Affected Area
Washing the affected area by use of towel and warm water is an effective way to heal the lump. Apply the warm cloth soaked with warm water over the lump infected area and gently massage the lumps for a short time (probably 10-20 minutes), and this should be repeated 3 to 4 times a day. This method helps in healing by the application of heat and moisture which soothe the lump and help in blood circulation around the area. Use of anti-bacterial soap to wash the affected area will help in the lump healing, as this will eliminate any germs that may be present on the area and reduce the chances of infection, which may further worsen the cyst condition, making it painful. Keeping clean is generally an important and necessary activity to aid in cyst cure.
2. Hot Compress
Hot compress is also a cure method for cyst. It is generally used for various other health problems as well. Hot compress involves use of a locally applied cloth imbibed with hot water and placed on the affected areas. This compression helps in blood vessels dilation and in draining of the sebum from the cyst. Heat, when applied to the sebaceous cyst, speeds up the healing and draining process. The heat from the compress will expand your blood vessels and help in better movement of nutrients to the injured site so that the wounded skin can heal faster. Word of caution though; make sure you apply a medium hot compress on the cyst. If you apply too much of heat, there is a chance that more infectious bacteria will start generating.
3. Using Bandage
In the case of a broken or open cyst lump, it is very necessary to use a bandage to cover the wound it leaves. The bandage should be placed appropriately and this is essential in preventing the wound from possible re-infection by germs and bacteria. Regular antiseptic should be applied to the open cyst to eliminate any already present bacteria in the wound, and this prevents further developments.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric use is another way to get rid of cyst as a natural herbal remedy and involves oral use. It is said to be an alternative method used for treating cysts. It helps in blood purification and subsequently aids in the cyst cure. This process is however, effective over time and the turmeric use should be continuous for several days. Turmeric is a natural healing agent and works by breaking down the cyst and bringing back the affected part into its normal condition. Poultices can also be prepared by using turmeric. A poultice is a medicated and heated mass that is usually spread on a cloth. This cloth is then spread over the skin to cure an inflamed or aching body part.
How to use
Turmeric can be added to salad or liquids like milk and taken ordinarily. Have turmeric milk for ten to fifteen days for best results. Alternatively, you can also mix turmeric powder to some mint juice and apply it on the cyst. Wash it with water after 10-15 minutes. You can also choose to make a paste of water, honey and turmeric and apply it on the damaged skin.
5. Honey
Honey has been used for wound treatment and as a natural antiseptic. It has been found out that it contains antibacterial chemical elements in them and in addition to this it also helps stimulate phagocytic and lymphatic activity which is important in body immune system response and helps in the prevention of infections. Honey is also known to be an organic product with a therapeutic effect.
How to use
The honey can be applied directly to the cyst-affected areas and left over time and the cyst will actually disappear or rather heal. You can also mix honey, banana and wheatgrass in a blender and apply this mix over the cyst. Cover the infected skin with a clean cloth and let it stay overnight. Banana and wheatgrass have antioxidant properties which help in speeding up the healing process by strengthening your immune system.
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is also an important element in treating cyst. Apple cedar vinegar particularly which contains acetic acid can kill pathogens and bacteria due to its potent biological effects. Apply the vinegar to the affected area and cover it with a cloth or a bandage and after some days (preferably 4 days) remove the bandage. This removal takes off the hard layer. Then, clean the fluid and cover the open portion to avoid infections. This process is painless and very effective indeed. Vinegar does regulate the skin PH to reduce cases of skin dryness, acne and inflammation.
7. Epsom Salt
Epson salt helps to fight the bacteria that cause cysts to appear. The salt is easy to use. All you need to do is to fill your bath tab with water, add some Epsom salt and take a bath with the water. Sooner or later, your sebaceous cyst should start disappearing.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is known for its anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, which help in the healing process of sebaceous cyst. It has been found an extremely helpful solution for treating sebaceous cyst as well as other kinds of health related problems like acne and pimples. Tea tree oil is known to be one of the most beneficial of all other essential oils. It is not only known for being a skin-friendly herb, but also this herb is good for your overall wellbeing. It is also famous for its quick wound healing properties.
How to use
You can apply tea tree oil directly on the sebaceous cyst which then works as a protective layer over the cyst, and it will fight against any bacterial infection. This will also help you in lowering the return of the cyst. Another option would be to go for diluted tea tree oil. For this, you have to mix tea tree oil with water or carrier oil in the ratio of 1:9 and apply it on the cyst. Follow this procedure two to three times a day for effective results.
9. Aloe Vera
Gently apply the Aloe Vera gel on cyst. It helps you get rid of irritating sebaceous cyst. Drinking aloe vera juice is the extremely helpful to rectifying body impurities. Aloe vera is said to be one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of skin cyst.
How to use
You can either drink aloe vera juice to remove body impurities or you can externally apply aloe vera gel on the cyst. This will give you a cooling feeling and help ease the pain.
10. Potassium Iodide
This is among the easiest and infection free home remedies. Gently apply potassium iodide on cyst affected area. You should apply 2-3 times a day with regular time interval. It is one of the simplest ways to get rid of sebaceous cyst without surgery. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help in faster healing of the infected skin. Iodide is known to be a very good disinfectant and antiseptic which helps in destroying the bacteria that cause cyst.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Sebaceous Cyst
- Boost the immune system.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use fiber and vitamin rich healthy diet.
- Use an antibiotic topical cream to avoid the threat of infection and irritation.
- Wash and cyst affected area time to time with an anti-bacterial soap.
- Consuming some natural herbs like garlic, barberry, burdock root and yellow doc is helpful to cleanse blood.