The heat thins out the liquid inside of the cyst, which ultimately causes the cyst to shrink and heal faster. The water should be very warm but not hot enough to cause burns. You should barely feel any discomfort when you touch the water with your bare skin. You can also make a warm compress by placing a wet cloth in a plastic bag and heating it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Test the cloth to make sure it isn’t too hot before you put it on your arm.
However, using too much can also cause your skin to dry out, so you should only apply an Epsom salt compress once or twice a day, or stop entirely if you notice any skin irritation.
It may be necessary for you to get someone to help you clean the area if it is right in the middle of your back. If you can’t get someone to help you, try gently applying the soap with a shower brush and rinsing the area off in the shower.
Be sure to follow the directions included with your cream. If you have any questions about the application of your cream, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
For instance, try wearing a band-aid over the cyst during the day but taking it off when you get home and can have the area exposed to the air.
Both types of injections should cause the cyst to shrink within hours, and both should also relieve any pain or itching caused by the cyst. However, the use of injections may cause the cyst to heal unpredictably, so you might be left with an indentation or scar after the injection takes effect. This result does not happen to everyone, but it is a definite possibility, so keep the risk in mind when considering this option.
During the procedure, your doctor will usually numb the area before inserting a needle or small, sharp blade directly into the cyst. The pus and other fluids inside the cyst are then drained through the incision, causing the cyst to collapse in the process. The doctor may apply a little pressure to the area to help the pus and other fluids drain out, and to gently squeeze out the core of hardened pus at the center of the cyst. When done carefully, this procedure does not typically cause any major scarring or pain.
Conventional wide excision surgery removes the cyst completely, so it is especially worthwhile if the cyst is suspected to be malignant or if it has caused other health problems. Minimal excision surgery uses a smaller excision to extract the cyst, and as a result, the scarring is much lighter and more likely to heal completely. It is not as effective as wide excision surgery, however, so there is some risk that the cyst will still return. Even with minimal excision surgery, the incision must be a little bigger than the cyst and will need to be closed with 1 or 2 sutures. This procedure is likely to leave a small scar.
Roughly 1 month later, the drained outer walls are surgically cut and removed. This procedure takes longer to heal overall, but it leaves minimal scarring and usually prevents the cyst from returning.
Aftercare treatment is especially important when a cyst is removed surgically. Some dermatologists may also prescribe a scar cream to lighten and minimize possible scarring.
Tea tree oil may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that could help heal some cysts. However, since it cannot penetrate the skin deeply enough to reach the inside of the cyst, it’s effectiveness is questionable. If you wanted to try it as a preventative measure, try using a moisturizer with tea tree oil on acne- or cyst-prone skin. If tea tree oil dries your skin, you can dilute it by mixing it with a gentler carrier oil, like olive oil or jojoba oil. Combine 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts carrier oil and apply the mix directly to the cyst.
Witch hazel is an astringent. The tannins witch hazel contains may help remove excess oil from the skin when the product is applied. As the oils dry up and the pores are tightened, this could cause the cyst to shrink. Using too much witch hazel can cause skin irritation, so it is best to use this treatment only once a day. If you notice any irritation stop using witch hazel. [14] X Research source If your cyst has a solid core, witch hazel is unlikely to be an effective treatment.
Carefully wash the area with soap and water and allow any pus to drain. Once the area is clean, apply a fresh bandage. Apple cider vinegar may help dry excess oils and kill bacteria responsible for an infected cyst, however, it is unknown how effective this treatment might be. Individuals with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate this treatment. If the area burns or severely itches after you apply the apple cider vinegar, you should clean it off immediately and try another treatment option. Apple cider vinegar is not an effective treatment for severe cysts.
The honey treatment is more likely to help when the core of the cyst has already been removed. Honey will not draw out the cyst on its own. After applying the honey, cover the area with a clean bandage and leave it alone overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and wash the area with mild soap and water. Ask your doctor or dermatologist to prescribe or recommend a pre-made honey-soaked wound dressing. Honey may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people. If you get hot, your chances of having a bad reaction may increase. Rinse off the honey right away and ask your doctor before using any more if you experience stinging or other side effects.
Antibacterial soaps containing triclosan and triclocarban are no longer approved by the FDA in the U. S. [19] X Research source Ask your doctor about safer and more effective alternatives, such as tea tree oil soap.
Avoid skin-tight garments and synthetic materials, such as Lycra or nylon.
Zinc may help prevent cysts and acne. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Good sources of dietary zinc include oysters, poultry, beans, nuts, shellfish, whole grains, and fortified cereals. [23] X Research source
If you shave your hair, always wet your skin first. Shave with a clean, sharp blade and use shaving cream or gel to minimize nicks and scrapes. Cleansing your skin regularly with glycolic or salicylic acid cleansing pads may also help prevent ingrown hairs and infected follicles. [25] X Research source
