How to Remove a Sebaceous Cyst

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A “cyst” is a closed or “sac-like” structure that is full of semi-solid material, gases or liquid. Sebaceous cysts occur due to the buildup of sebum, an oily substance that keeps your skin and hair moisturized. Most sebaceous cysts are found on the face, the neck, the back, and rarely, in the genital area. Though they grow slowly and are usually painless, they can be uncomfortable and show up in embarrassing spots. [1] You can get the cyst medically removed by a doctor or use home treatments to encourage the cyst to heal and disappear.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Getting the Cyst Medically Removed

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  1. Most sebaceous cysts are harmless and do not require treatment. But if the cyst becomes irritated or inflamed, you may consider going to your doctor so they can remove it for you safely. [2]
    • Check if there is a tiny blackhead in the center of the cyst. The cyst may also be red, inflamed, and tender.
    • You should also note a thick yellow fluid that comes out of the cyst when you press on it. The fluid may have a foul smell.
  2. If you think the sebaceous cyst is infected, allow your doctor to examine it and avoid touching it or draining it on your own at home. [3]
    • Trying to drain the cyst at home can increase your risk of having the cyst appear again, as you will not be able to remove the sac completely. Draining the sac on your own also increases your risk of infection and scarring in the area around the cyst.
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  3. This is a fairly easy procedure and can be done in your doctor’s office. They will first apply a local anesthetic to the cyst so you do not feel the procedure. [4]
    • Then, they will make a small incision in the cyst and drain the contents by “expressing” the fluid. “Expressing” means they will apply a small amount of pressure on the cyst to push the fluid out. The fluid in the cyst may appear yellow or cheesy looking and have an unpleasant smell.
    • Your doctor may also remove the cyst wall to prevent the cyst from appearing again. This is considered minor surgery and your doctor may need to give the area sutures once the cyst wall has been removed, depending on how big the cyst is.
    • Removing the cyst is generally done after the acute infection has subsided to prevent recurrence of an infected cyst.
  4. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to treat the area around the removed cyst so it stays clean and does not get infected. They’ll also put a bandage over the removed cyst wound so it can heal and instruct you to apply over-the-counter ointment to keep the area clean. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Doing Home Treatments on the Cyst

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  1. Astringent herbs like aloe vera can be used to “pull out” the protein keratin, sebum, and other fluids in the cyst. [6]
    • After applying the aloe vera, rinse the area with warm water. Do this three to four times a day. Alternatively, apply castor oil in the same manner, repeating the application three to four times a day.
  2. If you are sensitive to apple cider vinegar, dilute it with an equal amount of water. Apply the vinegar three to four times a day. [7] [8]
  3. Combine ½ teaspoon of dried burdock root with 1 tablespoon of honey and apply the mixture directly to the cyst three to four times a day. [9] [10]
  4. Chamomile is known to promote healing. Soak a bag of chamomile tea and then apply the warm bag directly to the cyst three to four times a day. [11] [12]
  5. Bloodroot is used in Native American medicine to treat skin disorders, including cysts. Mix ⅛ teaspoon of bloodroot powder with 2 tablespoons of castor oil and apply it to the cyst with a Q-tip.
    • Only use a small amount of bloodroot on skin with no breaks or cuts. Do not swallow any bloodroot or use it around your eyes, mouth, or genital area.
  6. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water on the cyst. Apply the warm compress at least four times a day for 10 minutes at a time.
    • Alternatively, soak the washcloth in a mixture of ½ cup of water and ½ cup of chamomile tea steeped for 10 minutes, then apply it to the cyst.
    • Or, soak the washcloth in diluted apple cider vinegar. Boil equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water, then apply it to the cyst.
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      Tips

      • Always call your doctor if the cyst is on your eyelid or your genital area to discuss the use of home treatments and medical treatments.
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      • If the cyst does not improve within 5-7 days or appears infected, call your doctor. If the cyst appears infected, keep it clean and protected until you see a doctor. Continue with home treatments but be careful not to squeeze or damage the cyst. Wash your hands well before applying any home remedies.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/basics/definition/con-20031599
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352701
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
      5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031599
      6. ↑ http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Astringent
      7. ↑ http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php?prop_ID=11
      8. ↑ http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Astringent
      9. ↑ http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php?prop_ID=11
      1. ↑ http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Astringent
      2. ↑ http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php?prop_ID=11
      3. ↑ http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Astringent

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove a sebaceous cyst, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the cyst 3 times a day to help dry it out. Alternatively, dab some witch hazel on the area with a q-tip several times daily. If that doesn’t get rid of the cyst, try applying some aloe vera gel to pull out the fluids and sebum in the cyst. Once the aloe has dried, rinse it with water and repeat the process 2 more times throughout the day until the cyst is gone. For tips from our Medical reviewer on how to use essential oils to get rid of a sebaceous cyst, read on!

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