A facial cyst typically is a sebum or keratin obstruction that blocks the hair follicle. It usually looks like a small subcutaneous pea and may be surrounded by a small red or white area. Although it appears similar to a pimple, it actually reaches deeper layers of the skin and does not need to be squeezed like a white spot. Fortunately, there are other remedies that can help you cure the cyst, in addition to medical solutions that can get rid of it completely.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Use a warm compress
Wet a washcloth with warm, but not hot, water, as this can cause your skin to become inflamed. Press the cloth onto the cyst and surrounding area. Leave it in place until it becomes cool to the touch. Repeat the procedure twice if the towel cools too quickly; you can follow this method a couple of times a day.
- The heat helps to disperse the proteins or sebum inside the cyst, accelerating its healing; however, it is not always effective.
- Some research has found that this method can halve the life cycle of the cyst.
Step 2. Don't try to squeeze or squeeze the cyst yourself, it will only make the situation worse
This is because the cyst could penetrate even deeper and if you try this procedure on your own (without the help of an experienced doctor) you will hardly be able to perform it correctly. Instead, you are much more likely to aggravate the inflammation, and a much worse cyst than the original one could re-form due to incomplete drainage and inadequate healing. For this reason, always consult a doctor for this procedure and do not attempt it on your own.
Step 3. Recognize the signs of complications
If the cyst has become infected or inflamed, you need to see a doctor for proper treatment. Pay attention to and monitor for any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the area around the cyst
- Redness in the surrounding area
- Heat on the skin surrounding the cyst
- Leakage of a grayish-white liquid that is often foul-smelling.
- Any of these symptoms can indicate that the cyst is infected or inflamed.
Step 4. Get medical help if the cyst doesn't go away on its own within a month
If you notice any complications or are unable to solve the problem on your own (and especially if you feel pain or the cyst causes a blemish), do not hesitate to contact your doctor. There are several medical solutions to treat a facial cyst.
Method 2 of 2: Try Medical Treatments
Step 1. Make an appointment with the dermatologist
If you want to go to a public health facility for a specialist visit, you must first go to your GP to get a referral. When you talk to your doctor, be sure to give him an accurate description of your medical history and explain the evolution of the cyst in detail.
Step 2. Give the cyst a cortisone injection
This treatment can shrink the cyst by decreasing inflammation. By doing this, healing can be faster; it is also an undemanding procedure, as it can be completed with a single visit to the doctor's office.
Step 3. Find out about the possibility of having it incised and drained
Since the cyst is usually filled with fluid, doctors can drain (and remove) much of the contents by puncturing the surface; in this way the healing process becomes faster. The only drawback of this method, however, is the fact that it does not prevent possible relapses. Conversely, although the procedure is extremely effective in the short term, the cyst can often re-form. However, it's worth a try, as it might really be the right solution for you!
- The doctor will incise the cyst with a sharp instrument and make sure that any keratin, sebum, or other liquid present is removed completely for the cyst to heal properly.
- At the end of the procedure it will be necessary to clean and bandage the incision area to avoid infection. Follow your doctor's instructions to keep the area clean once the fluid is aspirated.
- Never squeeze a cyst yourself at home because, if you do it the wrong way, you can leave a scar.
Step 4. Undergo surgery if it re-forms
If you find that you have a persistent cyst and have tried other methods without success, you can consider surgery. Generally, in order to proceed with a surgical operation it is necessary that the area around the cyst is not inflamed. If it is, it is necessary to first make a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and then proceed with the surgery.
- Minimally invasive surgery can be performed, removing only the top of the cyst and letting the rest heal on its own.
- Alternatively, the entire cyst is removed completely. With this method there is less chance that relapses or any subsequent problems will occur. The procedure involves the need for some stitches which will have to be removed by the doctor after about a week.
- If you have chosen to have a complete excision, ask your doctor if it is possible to do it from inside the mouth to avoid scarring. This is a new surgical technique that is starting to spread because it is a great solution for aesthetic reasons.
Step 5. Follow the post-operative instructions carefully
After the surgery you will need to strictly follow the surgeon's instructions to heal in the best way. Since the cyst has been removed from the face, it is essential to take proper care of the skin to avoid unpleasant blemishes in the future. Potential complications of surgery are scarring, infection, and / or damage to the facial muscles.
