Although they're generally benign and often disappear on their own, they can be uncomfortable and unattractive. In some cases, they can become infected, so it's important to treat them to avoid complications.
Natural remedies for sebaceous cysts include things like vitamins, herbs, and hot compresses. A sebaceous cyst is a cyst, or lump, that forms under the skin.
Natural remedies for sebaceous cysts
These natural remedies for sebaceous cysts are gentle, affordable, curative options. They can help you avoid any uncomfortable medical procedures. Although most experts see them as safe alternatives, they can cause still side effects. As always, talk to your doctor or naturopath before trying any of them.
Moist heat
You can use moist heat, like a cordless thermal pad (never use an electric one with any moisture) or a hot compress, on sebaceous cysts to help drain and heal them. Never use one that’s extremely hot. Doing so can cause an infection by fostering bacterial growth inside the cyst. If it doesn’t respond to humid heat, you should see a doctor.
Tea tree til
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says that tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Since many sebaceous cysts come from bacterial infections, the dabbing tea tree oil onto the cyst can prevent infection and help it heal faster.
Aloe vera
Some naturalists say aloe vera gel is one of the best natural remedies for sebaceous cysts. This is because it fights bacteria and relieves pain. Medline Plus says there are studies proving that aloe kills bacteria and helps wounds heal faster.
Take in nutrients that are good for your immune system
Having a strong immune system helps the body heal sebaceous cysts on its own. Eating antioxidant-rich fruits and whole grains, vegetables, berries, citrus, and leafy vegetables, along with taking herb-based supplements like red clover and burdock root can help stimulate your immune system and eliminate toxins from your body.
Keep yourself clean
Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap every day to avoid infection.
A healthy way to prevent sebaceous cysts
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle keeps your body in optimal health, which reduces your risk of developing sebaceous cysts.
Get enough rest
Sleeping less than necessary weakens your immune system and cause a lot of other health problems. Always make sure you’re getting enough rest.
Read more: How Much Sleep Do We Need?
Avoid refined sugar
An excess of sugar can suppress your immune system and lead to sickness. To reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, avoid sodas, sweetened fruit juices, processed foods, cereals, and snack foods.
Reduce stress
Some homeopaths and naturalists believe that stress increases your risk of developing sebaceous cysts. Many experts claim that excessive stress alters your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to sickness. Learning stress management techniques can be extremely helpful here, and in a lot of other ways.
Sebaceous cysts that don’t go away on their own may require medical intervention. See a doctor in any of these situations:
The cyst grows a lot
It grows deeper
The cyst is painful
It shows sign of infection, such as inflammation, redness, or feels too warm to the touch
Infected, enlargened, or painful cysts may also require removal by a doctor. It’s generally a simple procedure. A general practitioner should be able to do it with a local anesthetic. It shouldn’t take any longer than a normal appointment. Here’s what they’ll do to remove it:
First, they make an incision in the cyst. An incision is where the doctor cuts a small opening in the cyst, and an excision is when they do a surgical removal of the cyst or the cyst wall.
Once they’ve made the incision, they’ll drain it and clean up the area.
Stitches can be necessary in some cases, especially if they have to do an excision. You’ll usually only need them for a week or two. Depending on the location and type of cyst you have, the doctor can also choose to vaporize it with a laser. This might sound scary, but it leaves very little scarring.
It’s rare for sebaceous cysts or their removal to cause any major complications. But never try to open, squeeze, or drain the cyst on your own. This can lead to infection, so it always needs to be done in a doctor’s office.
Try natural remedies for sebaceous cysts first
Fortunately, sebaceous cysts are more annoying than they are dangerous. Treating them with natural remedies and changing your lifestyle is usually all it takes to get rid of them. Just remember that natural cures for sebaceous cysts don’t always work. Some cysts don’t respond to natural remedies and require more conventional treatment.
If you have a sebaceous cyst and it’s not causing you pain or discomfort, try using moist heat, herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies, and/or making lifestyle changes. Surgery should always be a last resort
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Nogales-Gaete Jorge. Medicina alternativa y complementaria. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [internet] 2004 Oct [citado 2018 Oct 13); 42 (4): 243-250.
Martínez Dubois, S., & de León Bojorge, B. Y. (2011). Patología quirúrgica de piel y tejido subcutáneo. In Cirugía bases del conocimiento quirúrgico y apoyo en trauma, 5e.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.
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