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8 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Cysts
A cyst is usually not harmful, but you'll need to see a doctor if you want a cyst removed. Certain home remedies, such as a warm compress, can help reduce any uncomfortable symptoms.
Cysts are hard lumps filled with various substances that form in the body. There are many types. The most common type is an epidermoid cyst, which grows right under the skin.
Doctors or surgeons may help you remove this type of cyst. This is the only reliable way to remove one completely.
On the other hand, you can also try home remedies for your epidermoid cyst. These may help shrink it, reduce its appearance, or alleviate discomfort.
Before discussing home remedies, it's necessary to go over a few important details:
Remember: If your cyst isn't causing you problems, you don't necessarily always need to remove it.
Talk with your doctor if the cyst:
Simple heat is the most recommended and effective home measure for draining or shrinking cysts.
Here's how it works: Heat may reduce the thickness of liquid in the cyst. In the case of liquid-filled epidermoid cysts, this may help fluid drain quicker into the lymphatic system. This system helps maintain fluid balance in the body and plays a role in protection against infection.
Keep in mindThough this remedy is widely recommended by doctors and reputable sources, there are still no studies testing or showing that it's effective. There's also no research supporting the science of how it works.
As well, it doesn't permanently remove cysts — only a healthcare professional can do that. Although this method isn't guaranteed to drain or reduce the appearance of a cyst, it should provide some comfort.
To useEssential oil from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) may help some cysts, albeit in an indirect way.
Research shows tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity. This means it inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens, though it's not as strong or effective as synthetic compounds
Some cysts are caused by ingrown hairs. These form when hair follicles don't grow properly, leading to infection of a sebaceous gland. This creates a pus pocket that may become a cyst, referred to as a sebaceous cyst.
As an antimicrobial, tea tree oil may help kill bacterial infections caused by ingrown hairs. It may decrease the chances of getting a cyst caused by an ingrown hair or reduce its appearance.
Keep in mindOverall, tea tree oil isn't a proven cyst remedy. There are still no studies that show it can remove or prevent cysts.
Also, since not all cysts are caused by ingrown hairs, tea tree oil is highly unlikely to help all types of cysts — though trying it is low risk and may help in shrinking the cyst.
To useYou can also combine tea tree oil applications with the above hot water compress remedy. Simply add essential oil to the hot water in the proper dilution ratio.
Avoid applying undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the cyst or skin. This may cause discomfort, irritation, or burns. Always dilute the oil before topical use.
Apple cider vinegar is another recommended natural remedy. It may help with cysts to a limited extent.
There are no studies showing apple cider vinegar reduces cysts or removes them.
But, like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar is shown to be antimicrobial at full strength. This is thanks to the acetic acid. It might not be as effective at lower strengths against some types of microbes, but it's still important to dilute it before applying it to your skin.
Keep in mindApple cider vinegar may be effective for certain kinds of cysts, such as those caused by bacteria, but there's no guarantee. It may still be worth a try since there are very few health risks.
To useYou can combine apple cider vinegar applications with the hot water compress home remedy. Simply add the apple cider vinegar to the hot water in the proper dilution ratio.
Never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the skin. Acetic acids may cause discomfort, irritation, or burns.
Research shows that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Both may help with pain and irritation in cysts.
Aloe vera may also help reduce the appearance or get rid of certain cysts caused by bacteria or other pathogens.
Keep in mindIn studies, aloe vera hasn't been shown to reliably remove, drain, or reduce the appearance of cysts. It could be helpful for discomfort and pain, though more research is needed to fully support this.
To useFollowing label directions, apply a pure aloe vera gel, cream, or lotion directly to an irritated or painful cyst as often as needed.
Only source aloe products from reputable and trustworthy companies. It's best to look at the ingredients list to be sure you're getting pure aloe.
Oil from the castor plant (Ricinis communis) may help cysts in the same vein as apple cider vinegar or tea tree.
Research shows castor oil is antimicrobial. It's notably effective at killing bacteria that live in the skin, which can cause acne and cysts.
Keep in mindCastor oil isn't a proven cure for cysts, nor is it shown to reduce their appearance.
It's also unlikely to help all types of cysts, only the types caused by bacteria — though there's no guarantee it helps with those types either.
To useMake sure to source a 100 percent pure castor oil product. Only purchase products from trustworthy companies with good reputations.
Avoid ingesting castor oil if you're pregnant or allergic to the substance. Also, be aware that it can cause diarrhea if consumed.
Witch hazel is a common topical wash for acne. Research indicates it may help acne due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties could also benefit epidermoid cysts. It's possible that witch hazel's astringent tannins may help shrink them, while anti-inflammatory effects could ease pain.
Keep in mindThere are still no direct studies showing that witch hazel can treat cysts. It's unlikely that it helps to remove them, though it may ease discomfort.
To usePeople with sensitive skin may have reactions to witch hazel, but this can be avoided by diluting witch hazel with water.
Some recommend honey for cyst management, though research on this is scarce. However, a 2017 review of studies indicated it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Keep in mindThere's not enough research to call honey a cyst treatment or remover. Using it may help with discomfort as well as cysts caused by bacteria.
To useOne method is to create a poultice by mixing honey, preferably raw and all-natural, with other antimicrobial herbs and ingredients. You then apply the mixture to the cyst and leave it on overnight.
Alternatively, try this simpler technique:
While turmeric alone won't get rid of a cyst, the spice has well-known anti-inflammatory properties that may help with the healing process.
Keep in mindTurmeric isn't a cure for cysts. There's also no guarantee that it'll prevent or reduce swelling. And it might not help at all with certain types of cysts.
To useIf possible, use fresh turmeric powder.
A word of caution: Turmeric may cause skin reactions in some people. Before applying it directly to your cyst, patch test it on another small area of skin.
You can't prevent a cyst from forming, but you can prevent one from getting infected.
The best way to do this is to avoid:
Never try to remove or pop a cyst at home. This increases the chances of infection. Popping also doesn't guarantee a cyst will go away permanently. While there are home remedies you may try to reduce the size of a cyst, you can't generally remove a cyst at home.
How can I shrink a cyst at home?There are home remedies you may try to reduce the size of a cyst. There's no evidence any of these options will always reduce the size of a cyst, they are unlikely to hurt you. These options include:
While there's no evidence that home remedies work, these optionss may help a cyst dissolve depending on the type and size of the cyst:
Seeing a doctor is the fastest way to get rid of a cyst. There are several ways a doctor may remove a cyst depending on the type and size, a doctor may cut it open and drain it, inject medication to help it go away, or surgically remove the cyst.
Some home remedies can help with certain aspects of cysts or specific types. Hot water compresses are most recommended by reputable sources.
Before using topical natural remedies, do a skin patch test: Apply a small amount to your forearm, and then wait for 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. Though these are rare, they could happen.
If a home remedy causes discomfort, irritation, or other unusual symptoms, discontinue use immediately. Talk with your doctor instead about cyst treatment.
Remember that the only proven way to remove a cyst is to have it done by a healthcare professional.
Bartholin Cyst Home Treatment
Frequent warm water soaks and OTC pain relievers may help you care for a Bartholin cyst at home. If pain worsens or you develop a fever, medical assistance is highly encouraged.
The Bartholin glands — also called the greater vestibular glands — are a pair of glands, one on each side of the vagina. They secrete a fluid that lubricates the vagina.
It is not uncommon for a duct (opening) from the gland to get blocked, causing fluid to build up in the gland, which results in swelling.
This fluid buildup and swelling is referred to as a Bartholin cyst and typically occurs on one side of the vagina. Sometimes, the fluid becomes infected.
A small Bartholin cyst without an infection — also referred to as Bartholin abscess — might go unnoticed. If it grows, you might feel a lump near the vaginal opening.
A Bartholin cyst is commonly painless, however some people may experience some tenderness in the area.
If your vaginal cyst develops an infection, your symptoms might include:
Make an appointment to see your doctor about a painful lump in your vagina if:
Your doctor might refer you to a gynecologist.
Your doctor may suggest you start with home treatment. If your cyst is infected, however, they may recommend:
A Bartholin cyst can often be effectively treated at home. If it doesn't respond to home treatment or appears to have an infection, you should see your doctor. In most cases treatment is simple and effective.
What Myxoid Cysts Look Like And How To Treat Them
Myxoid cysts are small, shiny, fluid-filled lumps that usually appear near a joint on the fingers or toes. They are harmless and often disappear on their own, but various treatment options are available.
Other names for a myxoid cyst include a mucous cyst, a digital ganglion cyst, and a digital synovial cyst. A doctor may also call it a pseudocyst. True cysts are surrounded by a capsule, but a myxoid cyst is not.
It is not always clear why myxoid cysts occur, but they are often associated with an underlying health concern, such as osteoarthritis. They are often connected to the lining of a nearby joint and usually appear near a joint on the finger or toe and the nail.
Myxoid cysts are more likely to appear in middle age or later, but they can occur at any age. They are also more common in females than in males.
Myxoid cysts are not usually painful, but they can be tender if they put pressure on other structures, such as nerves. Pain may also be present if myxoid cysts stem from osteoarthritis. In rare cases, they go away without treatment. More often, however, they will persist and a person may wish to consider medical treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of myxoid cysts, as well as available treatment options.
Repeatedly pressing firmly on the cyst may cause it to disappear. Some research suggests there is a 39% chance that this method will heal the cyst. However, it may not vanish completely, and they often return.
There is no evidence that other home remedies, such as soaking or massaging the fingers and toes, are effective as permanent treatments for myxoid cysts.
The following image shows what a myxoid cyst can look like.
Myxoid cysts grow slowly, usually over several months. The cysts appear as small, smooth bumps, or nodules, on the fingers and can range in size from 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter.
In some cases, multiple cysts may appear on the same finger. Cysts may also appear on several fingers.
Below are some common features of a myxoid cyst:
Myxoid cysts often appear near the last joint of the index or ring finger. Cysts near the base of a fingernail or toenail may sometimes cause nail deformity. Sometimes, they can also grow under the nail, creating a depression in the middle of the nail or causing the nail to split.
Each nodule contains a thick fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid surrounds joints and tendons, protecting them from damage during movement. Sometimes, this sticky fluid leaks out. It may be clear, yellowish, or pinkish.
Myxoid cysts are not usually painful. However, if they result from osteoarthritis, a person may feel pain in the nearby joint. The cyst may also feel tender if a person knocks it.
Occasionally, a cyst may also reduce joint movement.
Some myxoid cysts disappear without intervention, but many need medical treatment.
Several treatment options are available, including both surgical and nonsurgical options. These may improve the appearance of the cyst and prevent it snagging, but the person may still experience pain if the cyst relates to an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis.
The sections below will cover these in more detail.
Nonsurgical treatmentsA doctor may recommend trying a nonsurgical method of removal first.
Options include the following, which can take place in a doctor's office:
With all these options, however, the cyst could grow back.
People should never try to remove or drain a cyst at home. A trained physician needs to carry out the procedure in a sterile environment. This helps prevent infection or other further complications.
SurgeryA 2021 review notes that surgical treatments for permanent removal have a much lower recurrence rate of about 2%. However, this depends on the type of surgery. If the doctor removes the cyst without the stalk, there is a 25–50% chance of recurrence.
During the procedure, a surgeon will:
There are various approaches to this type of surgery. A person can ask their doctor to explain the options and procedures before the surgery.
After surgery, the doctor will apply a compression dressing, which an individual will wear for 2 weeks. Some people may need to use a splint for around 10 days to immobilize the finger or toe.
After surgery, there may be:
It is not always clear what causes myxoid cysts, but they seem to stem from the degeneration of connective tissue.
There appear to be two types.
Some are linked to osteoarthritis and happen when the lining of the finger joint grows excessively. Others occur when unusual deposits of mucins (mucopolysaccharides) collect in the skin of the finger or toe.
They are more likely to affect:
Myxoid cysts often shrink or go away on their own. However, if they do not, most cases are not painful, and many people can live with them.
People may wish to seek medical advice for a myxoid cyst if it is:
A doctor will examine the cyst's appearance and location and ask about any other symptoms. They may also assess for other conditions, such as:
They may recommend a biopsy to rule out any other health conditions.
The doctor will then discuss the range of available treatment options and the benefits and risks of each.
A myxoid cyst is a type of ganglion. A ganglion is a soft tissue tumor that grows near a joint or tendon. A myxoid cyst involves soft tissue and grows near the last joint of a finger or toe and often stems from osteoarthritis.
How do ganglion cysts affect the foot?
Here are some questions people often ask about myxoid cysts.
Are myxoid cysts painful?Myxoid cysts are not usually painful, but they can be a sign of osteoarthritis, which can be painful. If ulcers develop or infection occurs, these may be painful.
Do they resolve on their own?Some myxoid cysts go away without treatment, but most will not. They may need medical attention.
Myxoid cysts are small, benign lumps that form on the fingers or toes. They are not cancerous and are not usually painful.
Females, older people, and those with osteoarthritis have a higher risk of developing them.
Treatment options include a range of nonsurgical and surgical approaches. One home remedy is to apply pressure to the cyst regularly. This may help it disappear.
There is no proven way of preventing myxoid cysts, and they often return after treatment.
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