Cysts, when they appear on the back, can irritate and cause pain. In most cases, they respond well to self-medication and, with appropriate therapy, resorb within a week. In other words, it is imperative to keep the affected area clean and apply first aid treatments until they disappear. However, if immediate care is needed or an infected or relapsing cyst needs to be removed, medical help or an alternative remedy may be needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Self-medication
Step 1. Apply a warm compress
Soak a clean cloth, some cotton wool or a sponge in warm water and put the compress directly on the cyst. Hold it until it cools down. Repeat this several times a day until the cyst disappears.
- The heat makes the serum inside the cyst more fluid and, consequently, reduces its size, accelerating healing.
- The water should be hot, but not hot enough to cause burns. You shouldn't feel any discomfort when it comes into contact with the skin.
- You can also make a warm compress by placing a damp cloth in a plastic bag and heating it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Before placing it on your back, test to make sure it's not hot.
Step 2. Consider adding Epsom salts to the pack
Also try mixing 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in 500ml of hot water. These salts are able to speed up the healing process.
However, overuse can dehydrate the skin, so limit yourself to 1-2 applications per day
Step 3. Clean the affected area with soap and water
Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap that doesn't dry out or irritate the skin. It is important that the area is clean, especially if the cyst has opened and there is a risk of dirt and bacteria getting inside.
You will probably need help if the area to be disinfected is in the middle of the back. If you can't find anyone, try applying the soap gently with a bath brush and rinse in the shower
Step 4. Use an ointment
If the cyst is quite sore, you may want to apply a product to reduce the inflammation. Look for a benzocaine-based ointment. Some people also find antifungal or hemorrhoid creams helpful. Regardless of which product you choose, you need to apply a small amount directly over the cyst and cover the area with a clean patch. Take it off the next day and apply some more if necessary.
- Follow the instructions on the package insert.
- If you have any doubts about the application, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 5. Don't irritate the area further
If the cyst is causing you pain, you may want to protect it with a band-aid when you know it could become irritated from friction with clothing. However, cover it gently and be sure to remove the patch when there is no risk of it bumping or rubbing so that it can breathe.
For example, try using a patch during the day, but remove it when you get home or you have the option of exposing the cyst to air
Method 2 of 4: Seek Medical Assistance
Step 1. Ask your doctor if there are treatments that offer immediate relief
If the cyst is severely infected or you need to shrink it quickly, make an appointment with your dermatologist. For a quick and effective treatment, he will likely make a small incision to drain it. If she is very inflamed, she will give you a cortisone or steroid injection to give you quick relief.
- Both cortisone and steroids should shrink it within a few hours and are able to relieve the pain and itching that accompany it.
- However, these substances can heal cysts unpredictably, leaving a hollow or scar once they take effect. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it's a real possibility, so consider a similar risk when choosing this solution.
Step 2. Undergo drainage of the cyst
Depending on its size and location, your dermatologist may suggest that you drain it with a needle or small incision. This is an outpatient procedure that you can quickly carry out in your office.
- Typically, numb the area before inserting the needle directly into the cyst or making the incision. It then releases the serum and other liquids to cause the cystic walls to collapse.
- He can apply gentle pressure to the affected area to help the serum and other fluids escape until the hardened pus core in the center of the cyst is gently compressed.
- When done carefully, this procedure causes neither pain nor severe scarring.
Step 3. Learn about cyst removal surgeries
Surgical removal is generally preferable in case of relapses. The most recommended surgical treatment is excision, which may involve large or small excision of tissues, depending on the size of the cyst.
- Radical excision removes the cyst completely and is particularly recommended if malignant origin is suspected or if it causes other health problems.
- If the excision to be performed is reduced, the operation consists of a small incision that allows the cyst to be removed and, consequently, leaves a scarcely visible scar, which is more likely to heal completely. However, it is not as effective as radical excision and poses some risk of recurrence.
- Even in the case of a reduced excision, the incision is a little larger than the size of the cyst and is closed with 1 or 2 sutures. This procedure is likely to leave a small scar.
Step 4. Consider advanced laser surgery
Depending on the circumstances, your dermatologist may recommend the use of laser excision for biopsy purposes. During the procedure, the laser is used to make a small hole in the cyst. The contents are then drained and the sac walls collapse spontaneously.
- About a month after surgery, the now dry walls of the cyst are cut and surgically removed.
- This surgery takes longer to heal, but leaves minimal scarring and usually does not lead to recurrence.
Step 5. Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
After removing the cyst on your back, the dermatologist will give you some postoperative indications to improve the appearance of the scar and facilitate the healing process. Most of these treatments involve the use of an antibiotic ointment to be applied to the affected area, according to the prescription. After that it is necessary to continue the application until complete healing.
- Postoperative therapy is especially important when the cyst is surgically removed.
- Some dermatologists may also prescribe a cream for the treatment of scars in order to soften them and improve their appearance.
Method 3 of 4: Try Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply tea tree oil
Pour it onto a sterile cotton ball and apply it directly to the cyst. Repeat this 2-3 times a day until the cyst shrinks and fades.
- Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can heal some cysts. However, it is more of an effective preventive measure, because it does not penetrate so deep into the skin that it reaches the inside of the cyst. Use a tea tree oil-based moisturizer if your skin tends to develop acne or cysts to prevent recurrence.
- If tea tree oil dries your skin, you can dilute it with a milder carrier oil, such as olive or sesame oil. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 part carrier oil and apply the solution directly to the cyst.
Step 2. Consider witch hazel
Use a cotton ball or pad to apply a witch hazel gel or cream directly to the cyst. You just need a small walnut to completely cover it, then let the product soak into the skin before cleaning the area.
- Witch hazel has astringent properties. Once applied, the tannins contained within remove excess sebum. As the skin dries up and the pores close, the cyst begins to shrink.
- Excessive amounts of witch hazel can irritate your skin, so you should only use it once a day.
- This treatment may not be effective if the cyst has a fairly compact core.
Step 3. Use apple cider vinegar
Apply it neat directly to the cyst and cover the area with a clean bandage. Keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. After removing it, you will see a hard layer on the surface of the cyst.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and let the pus out. Once it's clean, blindfold it again.
- Keep the bandage on for 2-3 days. Once removed, the cyst and surrounding skin should be healed.
- Apple cider vinegar is assumed to help dry out excess sebum and kill the bacteria responsible for the infectious process of the cyst.
- However, it is likely that those with sensitive skin will not be able to tolerate this treatment. If you feel severe itching or burning in the area where you applied the vinegar, you should clean it immediately and try another remedy.
- Apple cider vinegar may prove to be an ineffective treatment if the cyst is severe, however it can be a good preventative measure. If you have skin that tends to develop cysts or acne, wash it daily with a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water.
Step 4. Apply a honey-based paste
Blend 1/2 cup of wheatgrass with 2-4 tablespoons of pure honey in a blender. Blend the ingredients into a thick paste to apply to the cyst.
- Before adding the honey, extract the juice from the wheatgrass. It is a plant rich in several nutrients that help the skin stay healthy, so it makes a great base for honey paste.
- Honey has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which promote healing. Add it to the wheatgrass juice to make a thick paste to cover the entire cyst.
- After applying the mixture, cover the treated area with a clean bandage and leave it on overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and wash with mild soap and water.
- Ask your doctor or dermatologist to prescribe or recommend a honey-based dressing.
- Treatment is most effective when the cyst core has already been removed. Honey alone is not needed to bring the cyst to the surface.
- Honey can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in some people. If you feel hot, it is very likely that this reaction could get worse. Immediately rinse the area you applied it to and consult your doctor before using it again in case of burning or other side effects.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Wash every day with antibacterial soap, especially in hot weather
Cysts mostly form in places on the body where sweat, oil and dirt accumulate and become trapped in the skin, such as on the back and buttocks. If you are very hairy you may be particularly prone to cyst formation in this area. Also, you are at risk if you are physically active or exposed to heat. In these cases, ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend a good antibacterial cleanser.
Antibacterial soaps based on triclosan and triclocarban are considered very dangerous and have even been banned in the United States. Ask your doctor for a safer and more effective alternative, such as a tea tree oil-based cleanser
Step 2. Wear cotton clothing in hot weather
Clothes can trap heat, sweat, and oil in the skin, contributing to the development of cysts. If you work out or spend a lot of time outdoors in hot weather, choose loose, breathable cotton garments.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing and synthetic materials, such as Lycra and nylon
Step 3. Eat a healthy diet low in harmful fats
Certain foods, especially junk foods and fats, can contribute to the development of cysts. Fatty meats and chocolate can also cause problems in some people. If your skin tends to develop cysts, avoid junk foods and eat a healthy diet of green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources (such as fish and chicken breast).
Zinc helps prevent acne and cysts. Excellent sources that contain this mineral are oysters, white meats, beans, nuts, seafood, whole flours and fortified cereals
Step 4. Take steps to prevent ingrown hairs
Infections that develop in the ingrown hair follicles often turn into cysts. While it's not always possible to prevent this process, you can reduce your risk by exfoliating your skin regularly (for example once a week) and moisturizing it every day with a mild, oil-free moisturizer.
- When you shave, wet your skin first. Use a clean, sharp blade and use shaving cream or gel to minimize the risk of scratches and cracks.
- Regular skin cleansing with glycolic or salicylic acid-based cleansing pads also helps prevent ingrown hairs and follicle infection.
Advice
In many cases, hormones are primarily responsible for cyst formation, especially in male adolescents. Within this category, the most affected subjects are those who practice physical activity and sweat a lot. See your doctor if you suspect that hormones are contributing to the development of cysts
Warnings
- Do not incise or squeeze the cysts on your own. Doing so will only increase the risk of scarring and complications.
- Make an appointment with your dermatologist if a cyst hurts or becomes severely infected. If it does not respond to treatments or continues to reform even after a treatment it could be malignant, so you should see your doctor even in such circumstances.
- Many cysts have a compact core that hinders healing. Therefore, to definitively solve the problem, you should contact the dermatologist in order to proceed with the removal of the nucleus. If not removed, the cyst will continue to reform and no home remedies (such as tea tree oil) will work.
