Sebaceous cysts can appear on any part of your body where hair grows. These harmless bumps under your skin appear when the sebaceous glands are blocked for some reason. The most common places on your body for the appearance of sebaceous cysts are on your head, neck and chest. Unlike other cysts, which are filled with fluid, sebaceous cysts are filled with sebum, which is the oil secreted by your sebaceous glands.
Usually the only symptom of a greasy cyst is a bulge or a small lump under the skin. Since growth is not harmful, doctors usually do not recommend removing them. However, a warm compress is usually the most common way to quickly get rid of sebaceous cysts at home.
In this article, you will learn what sebaceous cysts are and what causes these lumps under the skin. You will also learn about some home remedies that can help get rid of cysts and get rid of them forever.
What is a sebaceous gland cyst?
Each hair follicle contains a tiny sebaceous gland that produces a fatty substance called sebum. If these glands or follicles are blocked, oil accumulates in the gland, causing the formation of a greasy cyst. Dr. Stephanie S. Gardner of WebMD says that these cysts are usually small, painless lumps that appear under the skin.
Many people call sebaceous cysts epidermoid or hairy cysts. However, these sebaceous cysts are not epidermoid cysts.
Difference between a sebaceous cyst and an epidermoid cyst
According to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermoid cysts. The difference between them lies in the fact that epidermoid cysts are formed when the keratin protein blocks hair follicles or sebaceous glands. Sebaceous cysts appear when sebum – the oil that protects your skin – blocks the gland.
However, the visible symptoms of both these types of cysts are very similar.
Causes and symptoms of sebaceous cyst
The main symptom of a greasy cyst is a painless lump under the skin.
Dr. William H. Blad of WebMD says a cyst filled with sebum contains a cheese-like substance. The cyst will be hard and easy to move. As a rule, the bump will be yellow, white or flesh-colored. However, if a cyst becomes infected, it will turn red and show signs of inflammation.
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The University of Maryland says that an infected sebaceous cyst not only inflames, but also becomes tender to the touch, feels warm and can release a grayish-white substance with an unpleasant smell.
In addition to the formation of oil in the sebaceous glands, the University of Maryland also claims that skin damage and genetic factors can also cause the formation of cysts.
Can sebaceous cysts get away on their own?
According to Drugs.com, sebaceous cysts sometimes go away on their own. However, many people want to get rid of sebaceous cysts for cosmetic reasons or if it causes irritation. If a cyst shows signs of infection, you should consult a doctor to empty the cyst and cure the infection.
Should you remove a sebaceous cyst?
Sebaceous cysts must be removed if they become infected. However, you should never attempt to open, cut, or drain a greasy cyst yourself. Dr. Stephanie S. Gardner on WebMD warns about 2 possible consequences of removing a greasy cyst on its own: 5- Risk of infection. Attempting to independently open a cyst increases the risk of infection. If a cyst bursts under the skin, the bacteria can infect the surrounding tissue and spread the infection.
- Cyst can grow back. Removing a cyst on its own may not permanently relieve it. If any part of the bag is left behind, the cyst is likely to return.
- Usually the best way to cope with an uninfected sebaceous cyst is to leave it alone. However, you can also try some effective home remedies to get rid of sebaceous cysts.
How to get rid of sebaceous cysts – the best home remedies
These natural home remedies for cysts help reduce swelling and drain the cyst in a natural and safe way. These natural treatments for sebaceous cysts will also help prevent the removal of cysts and infections.
Please remember that to reduce the risk of infection, you should always thoroughly clean the area around the cyst before using any of these natural remedies.
Warm compress
One of the best and easiest ways to drain a greasy cyst is to use a warm compress. This can help remove a cyst without piercing or irritating the cyst. It is also one of the recommended home cysts that doctors recommend.How to use:
To get rid of a greasy cyst without surgery using a warm compress, do the following:
- Gently clean the affected area of the skin around the cyst with soap.
- Apply a moist warm cloth on the sebaceous cysts for 20-30 minutes. When the washcloth cools down, reheat it again by dipping it in hot water.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day to increase blood circulation in the area and speed up the healing process of the cyst.
- Continue doing this until the lump reaches the head and begins to drain.
- When the pus begins to come out of the cyst, apply a clean bandage on the lump to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Change dressing daily.
Doctors from WebMD also advise to be careful not to burn the skin, and a warm compress should not be hotter than water in the bath. It may take up to a week for the cyst to come to your head and drain.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in the treatment of sebaceous cysts. You can also mix a little tea tree oil with coconut oil to soften the skin and help eliminate the cyst.How to use:
For this natural home remedy, you will need tea tree oil, coconut oil and a patch to get rid of a cyst in the sebaceous glands.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply some preparation on the cyst and cover with adhesive plaster.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times a day to help get rid of a greasy cyst at home.
- If you used the warm compress method on a cyst, you can also apply tea tree oil and coconut oil before putting on a bandage. This helps prevent the spread of infection and helps quickly reduce redness and swelling around an infected lump.
Witch Hazel
You can also use the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel for treating sebaceous cysts at home. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps increase blood flow to the affected cyst and speeds up the healing process.Doctors at WebMD say that witch hazel is used to reduce pain, itching and swelling of the skin, as well as other skin irritations. The astringent properties of witch hazel are caused by tannins in witch hazel, which also help fight bacteria.
How to use:
To cure a greasy cyst naturally with witch hazel, you should do the following:
- Soak a cotton ball in clean witch hazel.
- Place on the greasy cyst for about 10 minutes so that the witch hazel is absorbed into a lump.
- Repeat the process 3-4 times a day to help drain the cyst and speed up its healing.
- Witch hazel is especially useful in treating sebaceous cysts that itch and cause minor skin irritation. Witch Hazel is also great for getting rid of acne in a natural way and can help in the treatment of many forms of acne, including cystic acne.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an excellent natural healer for many skin diseases. You can try applying aloe vera daily to help reduce the cyst and get rid of the bumps under the skin.Why is aloe vera so healthy for your skin in general? The Indian Journal of Dermatology reports that aloe vera contains many healing properties for skin health. It contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help keep your skin healthy. It is also antiseptic in nature and can help fight bacterial skin infections and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera can also help increase the collagen in your skin, thereby reducing scar formation and helping to heal wounds faster.
How to use:
To remove a sebaceous gland cyst without pressing on it, use aloe vera on the cyst daily. The natural method of treating a cyst is as follows:
- Apply pure aloe vera gel to the sebaceous gland cyst and gently massage the affected skin.
- Allow to dry and leave on the skin.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day to reduce the size of the cyst and speed up the healing process.
- If a sebaceous gland cyst occurred in the head and drained, you should continue to apply aloe vera 2-3 times a day until the wound heals. Aloe vera helps prevent any scars around the site of the former greasy cysts.
Apple vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a useful home remedy for treating a greasy cyst at home. Raw apple cider vinegar helps maintain your skin's health by removing bacteria, and it acts as a natural astringent. It is also an excellent natural treatment for itching of the skin, including the relief of the discomfort that some sebaceous cysts cause.How to use:
To use ACV as a home remedy for treating cysts of the sebaceous glands, do the following:
- Mix equal parts of raw ACV and water (use of undiluted ACV can burn your skin).
- Soak a cotton swab in diluted apple cider vinegar and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Place directly on the sebaceous cyst and hold in place with a dressing.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes to soften the skin and speed up the healing process.
- Repeat the process daily until the pus can easily drain from the cyst.
- Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is also one of the best home remedies to get rid of boils. It is also useful for treating acne.
Castor oil
Use castor oil to get rid of skin problems and eliminate discomfort caused by a greasy cyst. Castor oil will not only help speed up the healing process of the cyst, but also reduce itching, inflammation and bacteria that can cause other skin problems.How to use:
The method of castor oil to remove sebaceous cysts uses a combination of the healing properties of castor oil and a warm compress.
- Put some castor oil on a clean cotton pad and place it on a cyst.
- Apply a warm compress to the cyst for 5-10 minutes. To do this, you can use a heating pad, a warm washcloth or a heating pad.
- Repeat 2 times a day to a week to help drain the sebaceous cyst to completely disappear.
- Heat from a warm compress helps increase blood flow to the cyst to increase the healing power of castor oil.
Sebaceous cyst – when to see a doctor
In most cases, sebaceous cysts are simply harmless lumps that can be left alone. However, in some cases, a lump under your skin should be examined by a doctor. Many people also want to remove sebaceous cysts and lumps for cosmetic reasons.
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend consulting a doctor for a cyst under the following conditions:
- The lump begins to grow rapidly.
- You notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, fever and pus around the cyst area.
- The blow under the skin is in a place that is constantly irritated.
- The sebaceous cyst is unsightly, and you want it removed forever.
