10 Home Remedies for Sebaceous Cyst Removal
If you’ve ever had a sebaceous cyst, you would remember it. It’s an unsightly bump in the top layer of the skin that can contain either an oily or a cheesy substance. The cyst may appear smooth and round, though much larger than a standard pimple. It can, however, be instigated by an outbreak of acne. In some cases, the cyst may otherwise be caused when a hair follicle or sweat gland is blocked. While a sebaceous cyst may be worrisome to look at, there are home remedies that can help you treat the growth without submitting to a costly medical procedure.
1. Potato
The large supply of vitamin C in a potato does many things for the body, including removing dead skin cells, when applied over the cyst. This makes it one of the best sebaceous cyst remedies you can perform at home. Simply slice a piece of the potato and place it on top of the cyst, securing it in place with a clean bandage or cloth. It should be left on overnight and repeated nightly, until your cyst is gone.
If you would rather not sleep with a potato tied to your leg, you can wet a cotton swab in potato juice. Apply the swab as you would apply the potato piece, again leaving it on overnight.
2. Warm Compress
This may be the easiest way to treat the cyst. Just run a clean washcloth under warm water and squeeze to remove the extra water. Place the cloth over the cyst and leave it in place for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the procedure three to four times per day. In addition to treating the cyst directly, the heat will also promote better blood circulation in that area. In place of the washcloth, you may also use an electric heating pad.(
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Also used by surgeons in sclerotherapy to treat cysts, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. That acid helps to eliminate bacterial infections, providing another benefit in treating the cyst. Wet the cyst with the vinegar and wrap a bandage around the cyst. This procedure should be repeated daily for a week or more, until a tough layer forms over the cyst. Next, peel the hard layer away and let the cyst drain of its pus, using a dry cloth to help clean the area. Within 3-4 days, you should notice a fresh layer of skin forming over the area.
4. Castor Oil
Wet a cotton swab with castor oil and place it over the cyst. Holding the swab in place, set a hot water bottle over the swab and the cyst. The castor oil and the heat from the bottle will work together to reduce the cyst’s size.
Another method is to mix castor oil with a pinch of baking soda. The concoction will dissolve the cyst, allowing the skin to absorb the fatty acid.
5. Honey
Mixed with wheatgrass and banana in a blender, the honey has a therapeutic effect on the skin. Apply this mixture as a paste, cover with a clean washcloth, and allow to set overnight. The wheatgrass and the banana aid the honey by strengthening the immune system, which speeds up the healing process.
Alternatively, create a different paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey to one tablespoon of cinnamon. The cinnamon helps the honey attack the cyst. An egg white may be used in place of the cinnamon, as well.
6. Turmeric
When applied to a sebaceous cyst, the turmeric will act to break up the cyst and promote the healing of the skin. Similarly, poultices made from turmeric will help alleviate the pain and the inflammation that cysts typically produce. Just boil one-half teaspoon of turmeric in one cup of water and drink. Repeat this remedy for a period of 10 days.
Another method for using the turmeric is to make a paste to apply directly to the cyst. It can be made by mixing turmeric with mint juice, or with water and honey, or with honey and lemon juice. Keep the cyst covered in the past for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with water.
7. Potassium Iodide
When you apply potassium iodide to a sebaceous cyst, it works to heal the area in a number of ways. Its anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce the size of the cyst, while its antiseptic properties disinfect the area and guards against infection.
8. Tea Bags
Tea drinkers already know that the beverage aids the body by reducing inflammation. Similarly, a tea bag soaked in milk and applied to the cyst overnight, held in place with a cloth or bandage, will work to reduce the size of the cyst. Repeat nightly as needed, until the area is completely healed.
9. Bee Pollen
You can either swallow two tablespoons of bee pollen directly or take supplements containing bee pollen. Either way, the natural substance works by purifying the blood, making it an effective way to treat cysts, as well as acne and other skin blemishes. Additionally, the pollen boosts the immune system, giving your body the power to heal faster.
10. Sandalwood and Rose Water
As an antifungal agent, sandalwood powder promotes the faster healing of a sebaceous cyst. Additionally, the rose water will work to soothe the inflammation and discomfort, which the cyst causes. Mix the sandalwood and rose water into a paste and apply to the cyst. After the paste dries, you can wash it off with water. Repeat this process three to four times each day, until the cyst is entirely gone. Sandalwood is also a great home remedy for anxiety.
These home remedies offer ways to eliminate your sebaceous cyst without having to pursue professional medical treatment. While this may help you apply natural products to the problem and save you money, be wary of developing an infection. If you suspect your cyst has become infected, or if the condition worsens, you should seek out the advice of your doctor. Otherwise, experiment with these natural cures. Since no one responds the same to every treatment, it may take a series of trial and error to find the one that works best for you.