Skin cysts can be uncomfortable and painful. While it may be tempting to pop them or puncture them to drain them, this could lead to infection or scarring. If you have a cyst that bothers you, the best thing to do is to go to a doctor to treat it. There are also some things you can do at home to promote self-drainage of the cyst and care for it as it heals.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Have the Cyst Drained by a Doctor
Step 1. Anesthetize the area
Drainage requires local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the cyst. Before draining the cyst, your doctor will give you local or general anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain during the operation. A simple local anesthetic may be enough for a small skin cyst, and these operations can often be done in the doctor's office. If the cyst is deeper or larger in size, general anesthesia may be required, so you will need to go to the hospital. In most cases, however, it is a day surgery.
Step 2. Make an incision
After anesthetizing the area, the doctor will incise the cyst with a sterile scalpel. The incision will allow your doctor to drain the contents of the cyst and remove the wall if necessary. Removing the wall may prevent the cyst from returning.
Step 3. If necessary, use a drain hose
In some cases it may be necessary to use a drainage tube to allow the cyst to continue to drain for a few days. The doctor will fix the tube with a few points and the opening will be less than 6mm in diameter. This process is called "marsupialization".
Step 4. If necessary, suture the area
After the cyst has been completely drained and the cyst wall has been removed, the doctor will suture the area where the incision was made. In addition, you may need to wear a bandage over the area. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions for caring for the wound. Call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, including:
- Redness, especially red streaks arising from the wound area.
- Heat.
- Swelling.
- Pus.
- Intense palpitation in the wound area.
- Fever of 38 ° C or higher.
Step 5. Take antibiotics as prescribed
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a continuation of treatment for the cyst if it was linked to a sexually transmitted infection. In this case it is important to adhere exactly to the doctor's instructions on how to take the antibiotic. Make sure you take all the prescribed medicine or you may be at increased risk for infection, relapse of the infection, or complications.
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Take a sitz bath for Bartholin's cysts
Soaking in a warm sitz bath can help drain Bartholin's cysts. To prepare the sitz bath, fill the bathtub with a few inches of warm water, then soak for about 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day for 3 to 4 days to encourage the outbreak and drainage of Bartholin's cysts.
Adding some English salt and lavender essential oil to the water can help heal the cyst more quickly and provide relief. You can alternate them with the addition of half a glass of apple cider vinegar for additional relief
Step 2. Apply tea tree oil to the cyst
Tea tree oil has been shown to be useful in treating various skin conditions, so it may also help with a sebaceous cyst. Blend 3 drops of tea tree essential oil with 7 drops of castor oil and use a cotton ball or cotton swab to apply it directly to the cyst 3 times a day.
Step 3. Use aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel appears to have antibacterial properties, and some studies show that it promotes wound healing. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the cyst to help drain and heal. Let the gel dry and rinse the area with warm water. Repeat this process a few times a day.
Step 4. Dab the cyst with witch hazel
Witch hazel is often used to relieve swelling and also has astringent qualities, so applying it to a cyst could help dry it out. Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in the witch hazel lotion and use it to dab the cyst. Repeat the process a few times a day.
Step 5. Apply apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used to combat various skin conditions (such as acne), so it may also be useful for drying a cyst and promoting its drainage. You can apply it directly to the cyst with a cotton ball or cotton bud. Repeat the treatment a few times a day.
If you feel stinging or your skin becomes irritated, you can use a solution made up of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water
Step 6. Apply a chamomile tea bag to the cyst
Chamomile is often used to treat skin conditions, so it may help reduce inflammation and help heal the cyst. Try applying a lukewarm chamomile tea bag to the cyst for about 5 minutes. Repeat this process a few times a day. Drinking chamomile tea may also help cleanse the lymphatic system and reduce healing times.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for a Cyst
Step 1. Apply a warm compress
A warm compress is one of the simplest ways to soothe the pain from a cyst and promote its drainage at the same time. Take a clean cloth and place it under a stream of hot water, then squeeze it to get rid of the excess and apply it to the cyst for about 5 minutes or until it loses heat. You can repeat this process several times a day.
Step 2. Keep the area around the cyst clean
Use a mild soap to clean the area around the cyst by allowing the soap and water to run over it. Try not to press too hard or the cyst may become irritated or burst and end up getting infected.
Step 3. Apply a bandage to the cyst if it begins to drain
If the cyst bursts or begins to drain fluid, apply a clean, not too tight bandage over it to absorb the fluid. Change it often and keep the area clean.
Step 4. Don't touch it
Do not attempt to squeeze, burst, or puncture a cyst or it could become infected. It may be difficult, especially if it bothers you, but popping or puncturing it will make things worse and you may be left with a scar.
