The sebaceous glands in the body keep the skin well-nourished by secreting sebum. Sometimes, the ducts of these glands can get clogged due to trauma or acne or allergy. An injury to the draining duct of the gland leads to the development of a cyst.
Sebaceous cysts show a slow growth rate and usually resolve without treatment. These cysts are filled with sebum and are soft to touch. They are particularly found on the scalp, face, neck, and back. They are not painful unless they get infected. Nature has provided us with a lot of home remedies to resolve the painless cysts faster.
Home Remedies For Sebaceous Cysts
The following natural ways to treat sebaceous cysts have been scientifically proven to be very beneficial.
1. Warm Compress
Heat application in the form of a warm compress has been an age-old technique used in draining sebaceous cysts. External heat expands the blood vessels, improves circulation and helps in removing toxins and collected sebum. All you have to do is perform heat application at least 3-4 times a day.
2. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric is renowned for its immunity modulating benefits. They combat harmful microbes and relieves the signs of inflammation seen in sebaceous cysts. Just make a paste of turmeric with coconut oil and apply it on the cyst. Since turmeric has the ability to stain, use it with care and preferably when you are at home.1
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be too strong for the skin if it’s applied without diluting. Therefore, it’s best to add 1 drop of tea tree oil in 9 drops of water and apply it on the cyst. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash the area. Tea tree oil has been scientifically proven to limit microbial growth. It also helps to boost wound healing.2
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe gel can help in soothing wounds as well as reducing the associated symptoms of sebaceous cysts like redness, soreness, and swelling. All you have to do is take fresh aloe gel and apply it on the cyst with a cotton ball. Do it multiple times daily for faster results.3
5. Raw Honey
Honey has proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that make it very potent in resolving sebaceous cysts. It’s best to apply wild raw honey on the sebaceous cyst at least 3 times daily with the help of a Q-tip or a cotton ball.4
6. Rest, Exercise, And Diet
The best way to get rid of a distressing sebaceous cyst is by encouraging your immunity to fight infection and inflammation. This can be done by taking adequate rest, exercising daily, and following a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
In some individuals, the sebaceous cysts don’t resolve even after a week. It’s best to seek medical attention especially if the cyst undergoes the following changes.
- The cyst becomes larger in size
- It becomes heavier and painful
- The surrounding area appears red, itchy, and too hot to touch
- Other symptoms like fever and generalized weakness
Keep a watch on how the cyst changes in appearance and incorporate the natural remedies into your lifestyle to aid in faster healing.
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