Natural Cure for Sebaceous Cysts

Many people seek a natural cure for sebaceous cysts. Sebaceous cysts are cysts or lumps that form under the skin. Although they are generally benign and go away on their own, they can prove annoying and unsightly and in some cases become infected. A natural cure for sebaceous cysts includes homeopathic remedies, vitamins, herbs and hot compresses.

Many natural treatments are available for cysts.

Sebaceous cysts can occur on men or women, children or adults. They generally appear on the face, neck, chest, arms, legs and groin area. They look like a red bump on the skin.

Sebaceous cysts form when a hair follicle becomes clogged. Skin oils, called sebum, accumulate in a little sac that forms under the skin surface. Unlike pimples, sebaceous cysts rarely come to a head and drain on their own. They usually start as small lumps under the skin. Most of the time, the body takes care of sebaceous cysts on its own and reabsorbs the keratin, a waxy-like substance that forms in the body of the cyst, cleaning up whatever is present over the course of weeks or months.

Sometimes however, sebaceous cysts grow larger, heavier and more painful. If the area becomes red, hot to the touch, or extremely painful, make an appointment to see a physician as this can indicate an infected cyst. Infected cysts must be lanced, drained, removed and cauterized or cleaned by a physician to avoid further infection. This procedure is done in the doctor's office with a local anesthetic and usually takes no more time than a typical doctor's appointment. The area may be cauterized, or a few small sutures may be used to help the wound close, depending on the size of the cysts. Rarely do sebaceous cysts or the removal of cysts cause complications.

No one knows for sure why sebaceous cysts form. They seem to form in areas where body hair is more plentiful, such as behind the ears, on the scalp, on the legs or in the groin area. They often form on narrow hair follicles; it's possible that excess testosterone creates more sebum or oil, which cannot drain from the area and ends up forming a cyst.

Dry heat such as a heating pad can be applied to sebaceous cysts to help shrink them. The sebum or oil forms a waxy-like substance under the skin. Dry heat actually melts it a little at a time, giving the body the chance to absorb the oils.

If using dry heat, use it only for 15 minutes at a time twice a day for seven to ten days. After 10 days, if the cyst hasn't cleared up or at least gotten smaller, you should see a doctor for treatment. Avoid using a piping hot heating pad, as this can sometimes cause an infection by encouraging the bacteria inside the cysts to multiply. Gentle, medium heat for short periods is best.

Many homeopathic remedies can be used for cysts. The most commonly suggested homeopathic remedies include Hepar.sulph. and Calc sulf. but other homeopathic remedies may be suggested. Consulting a homeopathic doctor or a naturopath is advised. Homeopathic remedies are considered very safe alternative treatments.

Both herbal remedies and supplements for sebaceous cysts focus on overall strengthening of the immune system to allow the body to deal with the cysts and take care of it naturally. Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin C, as well as zinc, are usually taken to boost the immune system and skin. Herbal remedies that help include milk thistle, which improves liver function. Red clover and burdock root are often suggested too as cleansing and overall tonifying agents.

One often overlooked aspect of a natural cure for sebaceous cysts are lifestyle habits. Too little sleep weakens the immune system and can lead to many problems. Be sure you are getting adequate rest. Avoid excess sugar, as this can also suppress immune system function. Some natural healers believe that stress increases the chances of sebaceous cysts. Learning positive ways to deal with stress may be helpful with this condition as well as many others.

A natural cure for sebaceous cysts is certainly possible, but may not work all the time. Some cysts just don't respond to natural cures and require conventional treatment. Whatever you do, don't try to open, squeeze or drain the cyst on your own. This can lead to infection and should only be done in a doctor's office. Try heat, vitamins and supplements, homeopathic remedies and lifestyle changes and seek medical treatment for painful cysts or cysts you suspect are infected.

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