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This article was medically reviewed by Ellen Turner, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dr. Ellen Turner is a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas. She is board-certified in dermatology through the American Board of Physician Specialties and in functional medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Turner is the founder of the Dermatology Office, with locations in Dallas and Irving, offering an array of dermatology services, including medical, cosmetic, surgical, and laser procedures. She is an Allergan Master Injector Emeritus, and she focuses on elective aesthetic procedures in her medical practice, including Silhouette InstaLift™, BOTOX®, Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Emface, Exion, and laser and light-based devices. Dr. Turner is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Texas Dermatology Society, the Dallas Dermatology Society, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the Dallas County Medical Society. She is also a member of the medical staff at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas . She recently served as the Dallas chairman of the board of APEX, a network of independent physician specialists devoted to improving the quality of medical care in Texas and beyond. Dr. Turner performed her medical school training at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and her dermatology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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A “cyst” is a closed or “sac-like” structure that is full of semi-solid material, gases, or liquid. Sebaceous (epidermoid) 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. They grow slowly and are usually painless, but they can be uncomfortable and show up in embarrassing spots.[1] wikiHow conducted an exclusive interview with a dermatologist to learn how you can get the cyst medically removed by a doctor. We’ll also discuss home treatments that can encourage the cyst to heal and disappear. (Keep in mind that home remedies may not always be effective, so for the best results, see a medical professional for removal.)
Removing a Sebaceous Cyst
Dermatologist Ellen Turner, MD says sebaceous cysts can be removed by a surgeon. These cysts have a wall that produces keratin, and without removing the entire wall, the cysts will regrow. If the cyst becomes inflamed, a doctor can drain it to reduce your symptoms. They may recommend surgically removing it afterward.
Steps
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Note if the cyst has become inflamed and irritated. Most sebaceous cysts are benign and do not pose any inherent risk, says Dr. Turner. But if the cyst becomes irritated or inflamed, she recommends that you visit 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.[3]
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Let your doctor examine the cyst. If you think the sebaceous cyst is infected, allow your doctor to examine it. Avoid touching it or draining it on your own at home.[4]- 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.[5]
- Dr. Turner agrees and does not advise that you poke and prod at the cyst, as it may become inflamed and abscess.[6]
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Allow your doctor to drain the cyst. 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.[7]- Then, they will make a small incision in the cyst and drain the contents by “expressing” the fluid, says Dr. Turner.[8] “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.[9]
- Draining the cyst is only a short-term solution, says Dr. Turner. Both sebaceous and epidermal inclusion cysts must be surgically removed by a qualified surgeon. She explains that these cysts have a wall or sac that produces keratin, and without removing this wall in its entirety, the cysts will persist and regrow.[10]
- Removing the cyst wall to prevent the cyst from appearing again 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.[11]
- Removing the cyst is generally done after the inflammation has subsided, says Dr. Turner, as it is at high risk for recurrence of inflammation and infection.[12] The surgeon will also wait until the acute infection has subsided to prevent recurrence of an infected cyst.
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Make sure the area around the removed cyst does not get infected. 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 may instruct you to apply over-the-counter ointment to keep the area clean.[13]- If the cyst or incision does become infected, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics, says Dr. Turner.[14]
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Apply aloe vera gel to the cyst. Aloe vera has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe skin irritation. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the cyst up to twice a day and leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse. Keep in mind that while aloe may soothe irritation, it will likely not dissolve or remove the cyst entirely.[15]- Alternatively, apply a few drops of castor oil to the cyst and cover with a bandage, repeating the application 2 to 3 times a day.[16]
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Apply apple cider vinegar to help dry out the cyst. If you are sensitive to apple cider vinegar, dilute it with an equal amount of water. Apply the vinegar mixture with a cotton ball once a day for 15-20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse the area afterward to avoid irritation.[17]- It is possible that apple cider vinegar will increase irritation instead of soothing the cyst. If you notice redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation, rinse the vinegar off and discontinue use.
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Apply chamomile tea to the cyst. Chamomile is known to promote healing and has anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe an irritated cyst.[18] Soak a bag of chamomile tea and then apply the warm (not hot) bag directly to the cyst several times a day as needed.- Chamomile is unlikely to cause irritation, but may not be effective at completely removing or dissolving the cyst.
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Apply a warm compress to the cyst. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water on the cyst.[19] Apply the warm compress several times a day for about 10 minutes at a time.[20]- Alternatively, soak the washcloth in a mixture of equal parts water and chamomile tea, then apply it to the cyst. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe cysts, though it won’t make them go away completely.[21]
- Or, soak the washcloth in diluted apple cider vinegar. Boil equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water, then apply it to the cyst for 15-20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce irritation.[22]
- Dr. Turner notes that there are no home remedies for removing a sebaceous cyst.[23] Some home remedies, like chamomile tea or apple cider vinegar, may even cause further irritation. Visit your doctor for the best, safest results.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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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.Thanks
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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. Be careful not to squeeze or damage the cyst. Wash your hands well before applying any home remedies.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermoid-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352701
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermoid-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352701
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermoid-cysts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352706
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermoid-cysts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352706
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.theminorsurgerycenter.com/blog/natural-remedies-to-dissolve-cysts
- ↑ https://www.theminorsurgerycenter.com/blog/natural-remedies-to-dissolve-cysts
- ↑ https://www.theminorsurgerycenter.com/blog/natural-remedies-to-dissolve-cysts
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
- ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/sebaceous-cyst-treatment
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/
- ↑ https://www.theminorsurgerycenter.com/blog/natural-remedies-to-dissolve-cysts
- ↑ Ellen Turner, MD. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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!
