Sebaceous cysts may be covered if not causing the patient distress; most are non-dangerous and are only bothersome aesthetically. However, if it’s infected, seeking medical treatment is wise.
Avoid putting cosmetics and skin care products on the site of the cyst. This may cause further irritation and infection.
If a cyst burst due to healing or accidental popping causing a break in the skin; wash the area thoroughly in running water using a non-irritating antimicrobial soap.
Even if your cyst doesn’t seem infected, you may wish to visit a doctor. A very simple incision will be made, and the cyst can be gone in a matter of minutes. You may need to get 1 or 2 stitches once the cyst is removed. [9] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Flucloxacillin is one of the most common antibiotics used in the case of an infected sebaceous cyst. Take a 500-milligram pill every 8 hours, for a week, in order to cure the infection. [12] X Research source
After the local anesthetic is applied, the surgeon will either perform an oval incision on both sides of the lesion’s center or a single incision down its center. If the cyst is small, the doctor can lance it, instead of cutting it. The keratin around the cyst will be squeezed out. A retractor will be used to hold the edges of the incision apart while the doctor will use a forceps to remove the cyst. If the lesion is whole when removed, the operation is a success and the cure rate will be of 100 percent. If, however, the lesion is fragmented, the wound will be sealed by stitching after the procedure is complete. In the case where the cyst was infected, the same antibiotic treatment will be prescribed for a week after the intervention.
Identify if sutures were used in wound closure. If so, it is also important to take note when would they need to be removed (1– 2 weeks at most). Note: some type of sutures readily dissolves in the body and may not need removal.
To use the remedy, simply apply 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil on the lesion and cover it with a band-aid. Use tea tree oil once a day, in the morning, and uncover the lesion at night.
Again, the science is lacking. It may potentially have some antibacterial effects, but its efficacy on cysts is dubious. It likely will not be harmful, and can help moisturize the skin, but there are likely many other products more effective than castor oil. [18] X Research source
Aloe vera is a treatment that has been used for centuries. [20] X Research source However, once more, there’s no good evidence that it can cure cysts.
Always dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to the skin. Some apple cider vinegar in stores can be strong enough to cause chemical burns to the skin if not diluted. Even if diluted, people with sensitive skin may still experience irritation. Be cautious when applying this to your skin! Apply the diluted vinegar on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Remove the bandage after 3 or 4 days. You will notice that a hard layer is formed on top of the lesion. When you remove the crust or when it naturally falls off, pus will ooze out along with the bacteria. Clean the area and apply a new bandage, without vinegar. After 2 or 3 days, the cyst should be healed.
Dandelion is an herb containing taraxacin, which is a natural antibiotic. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, it’s unknown whether consuming the taraxacin in dandelion tea has any effect on cysts. Medical treatment is much more effective for cyst removal than any herbal remedy.
Guava leaves. Put whole guava leaves in a clay pot full of boiling water for 15 minutes. Let it cool until a tolerable temperature is achieved – lukewarm temperature is ideal. Use the solution to wash the wound. Aloe vera. After thorough washing and patting dry, generously apply the sap of the plant to the break in the skin and leave it to dry. You can do this several times a day if you’d like. As a precaution, you should always test a small amount of any of these homemade treatments for any allergic reaction. A good site to test this is in the forearms on the same side as your palms – their fair complexion and relatively thin skin make it easier to feel and notice any itching and redness.
This is, in itself, not harmful or dangerous – it’s simply not aesthetically pleasing. It’s only if a tumor or infection develops that this abnormal proliferation is something to worry about.
When this is the cause, a small pocket of modified skin found in the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin, is referred to as a hair follicle. Each hair grows from one of these pockets. Follicles damaged by a constant irritating factor or surgical wound will suffer damage and scarring, leading to an ingrown hair.
If the infection goes untreated, it will get worse and worse and can eventually affect your entire body. While a cyst itself isn’t anything to be greatly concerned about, an infected cyst does require action. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Luckily, it’s usually fairly easy to reduce the inflammation, either with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or just to remove the irritating factor. [27] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source An inflamed cyst is difficult to remove because the area is vulnerable to infection. If a minor surgical procedure is necessary, it may be postponed until the inflammation goes away.
A burst cyst needs to be kept as clean and hygienic as possible. Visit your doctor for advice on how to care for the cyst and what medical treatment you should seek.
