A sebaceous cyst is also known as keratin or epidermoid cyst. It is a bump that usually occurs under the skin. The sebaceous cyst is not at all harmful and is the result of a swollen hair follicle. These cysts are filled with a yellow oily liquid which contains a pungent smell. The cyst can appear on any parts of the body such as head, back, breast, face, etc.
Ways to Treat Sebaceous Cyst
You can try these really 6 simple ways for sebaceous cyst treatment instead of popping or squeezing it! Squeezing and popping the sebaceous cyst can be painful and can also increase the chances of infection! [1]
Lets, take a look at these unique ways of treating sebaceous cyst!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is widely known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study published in the Clinical Microbiology Reviews. This essential oil is also used in treating other skin related problems such as acne and warts. The Tea tree oil will not only clear the infection, but will also reduce the swelling. All you need to do is apply the tea tree oil on the cysts and leave it for a few hours. You need to repeat this process at least 2-3 times a day! [2]
Cyst treatment Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Aloe Vera
People have been using aloe vera as the best remedy to treat skin conditions with burns, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores and many more! Aloe vera can also help you in treating sebaceous cyst! Simply cut the leaves and extract the gel from them. Then apply the gel directly to the cysts and leave it for a few hours. Do this twice in a day and soon the cysts will start disappearing slowing.
Potato
An unusual method for treating a cyst is by using a potato. A raw potato can treat the cysts as it contains glycoalkaloids which have anti-inflammatory properties. It should be noted here that glycoalkaloids are toxic to humans if consumed in large quantity. It is applied orally for treating sebaceous cyst. [3] [4]
Just grate the potato and squeeze out the juice. Apply it on the affected areas for overnight. You need to repeat it every night until the cyst heals. You can even place a slice of potato on the cyst and cover it with a washcloth.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Curcumin found in turmeric can treat skin inflammations and infections. A study published in the journal Foods found that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions. [5]
Make a thick paste using turmeric powder and water. Apply this paste on the sebaceous cyst and let it dry. Wash it away after an hour. You need to repeat this process twice a day. Turmeric also helps in purifying the blood. It works on the clogged skin that causes cysts..
Coconut Oil
Another simple trick is using coconut oil. The lauric acid present in the oil has antimicrobial properties, which helps in healing the cyst. You need to apply the oil directly on the cyst and leave it. Repeat this process every few hours until the cyst starts disappearing.. [6]
Garlic
Garlic is known to provide various health benefits, from combating cold and cough to lowering blood pressure and healing sebaceous cyst. A review of various studies on garlic’s therapeutic effects was published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. It found that almost all studies supported garlic’s clinical potential. Garlic will kill all the microbes in bacterial, fungal or viral infections. [7]
Peel 2-3 garlic cloves and grind them with water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. After 15 to 20 minutes, take off the bandage and rinse the area with water. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day.
Wrapping Up
If the methods mentioned above doesn’t work then you can visit a doctor to treat your sebaceous cyst. However, there are a bunch of other tricks like using hydrogen peroxide, grapefruit seed extract, potassium iodine, and Epsom salt which can be used in treating sebaceous cyst!
