A cyst is an accumulation of fluid in or under the skin. Cysts can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Home remedies can help shrink or drain cysts.
Cysts can disappear on their own, but doctors recommend carefully watching your symptoms and seeking a minor surgical procedure to remove the cyst. Some home remedies for cysts include cold and hot compresses, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
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Cold Compress
Cold therapy can help reduce pain and swelling by narrowing the blood vessels in the area. This will reduce the amount of bleeding from a puncture wound or bruise and decrease the inflammation caused by an injury.
It can also numb sore muscle tissue, acting as an almost-anesthetic in some cases. It’s part of the standard at-home treatment for injuries – rest, ice, compression and elevation.
It can also encourage cysts to drain if they are fluid-filled. However, never try to pop a cyst on your own because you could end up sending the trapped materials deeper into your skin.
Hot Compress
When a cyst becomes inflamed, it can be painful. A hot compress can help ease the pain. Place a washcloth in Right Knee Wrap for Your Baker’s Cyst that isn’t scalding and apply it to the cyst. Leave it on for about ten minutes. Then, remove it and allow the skin to cool down. Repeat as needed.
Another option is to take an over-the-counter NSAID such as Advil. This can help reduce swelling and decrease inflammation. You should also avoid touching or squeezing the cyst, as this can increase the risk of infection. It’s also important to keep the area clean. Gently washing the cyst with lukewarm water three times a day can help prevent infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help with some cysts, according to studies on its antimicrobial properties. It evens out skin pH balance thanks to its acidity and ash content.
It also has plenty of antioxidants that fight free radicals. Those free radicals can cause inflammation and other signs of aging, including cellular damage.
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with some blackstrap molasses and drink it every morning. This helps reduce ovarian cysts and regulate blood sugar levels. Avoid drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar, as it can erode tooth enamel and harm the esophagus.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular herbal plant that has many claimed therapeutic properties, including the ability to help with cysts. The plant has a thick gel inside its leaves, which is said to have soothing and healing properties.
Aloe has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, both of which may help with pain and irritation associated with certain kinds of cysts. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Apply aloe vera gel or juice to the affected area several times a day. You can also take oral aloe vera, but be aware that it may cause gastrointestinal distress and interact with some medications, especially digoxin and furosemide.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a plant that has many medicinal properties. People use a natural liquid extract of its leaf, bark, and partially dormant twigs called witch hazel water to treat skin inflammation (11).
Its tannins (natural chemicals) act as an astringent, tightening the skin by constricting blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory and abrasive qualities that reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Applying witch hazel directly to a sebaceous cyst three to four times a day can soothe the pain, itch, and irritation from the condition. It can also reduce minor bleeding (12).
Honey
Honey is a thick, viscous liquid produced by bees from the sugary secretions of certain plants. It is mainly composed of fructose and glucose, with minor amounts of maltose and sucrose. Other substances may be present in trace amounts, depending on the type of plant from which the nectar was gathered.
It has a long shelf life and can be used to treat pilonidal cysts. It has natural antiseptic properties that help drain the cyst and soothe the skin. Make sure you use a high-quality raw Manuka honey, preferably UMF 15+.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has multiple benefits for cysts including reducing itching and swelling. It is also a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria and viruses. It can be used as a skin treatment or inhalant. In one study, it was shown to rapidly destroy the trophozoites and cysts of amoeba.
Mix two to three drops of tea tree oil with clean, warm or hot water and apply it directly on the cyst several times each day. However, it should be noted that none of these home remedies have been proven to treat or cure all types of cysts, so they are not a replacement for medical treatment.