A Pilonidal cyst is a fairly common abnormality in the skin that occurs primarily in men and people who have to sit for long period of time.
Even though it is not very dangerous, if left untreated, it can cause a lot of problems; pain and discomfort being two of them.
So let us learn some more about Pilonidal cysts and some home remedies that can be tried to get rid of them instead of opting for Pilonidal Cyst surgery.
Table of Contents
What is Pilonidal Cyst?
The reason behind the formation of Pilonidal cyst is not clear in every case. It is a sac-like formation accumulating under the skin, hair, dead cells, and other impurities. This cyst usually forms at the base of the tailbone, on top of the buttock, at the cleft of the buttock cheeks. (Also read: How does a pilonidal sinus start?)
The cyst can form due to a variety of reasons, the most common being ingrown hair which causes irritation on your skin. This can lead to the formation of a cyst.
The cysts can even get infected and lead to the formation of a pocket filled with pus, known as abscess.
Even though most of these cysts can be treated at home, the ones that get infected need a Pilonidal Cyst surgery.
Therefore it is best to get going with any of the numerous home remedies available to treat a Pilonidial cyst and avoid surgical intervention altogether.
Home remedies to Treat a Pilonidial cyst:
When it comes to getting rid of a Pilonidial cyst, home remedies are surprisingly simple and effective. By using just a few ingredients, you can ensure that your condition is reduced and avoid Pilonidial Cyst surgery.
The following are the best home remedies for treating a Pilonidal cyst:
1. Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is almost a magical ingredient when it comes to skincare. It is an antioxidant with amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce rashes, boils etc. and even prevent further chances of an infection.
How to use tea tree oil for the pilonidal cyst: Pour 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on a piece of cotton, place it over the site of the cyst and secure it with a band-aid. Leave it on for a few hours at a time and repeat it twice daily until the pilonidal cyst heals.
2. Castor oil:
Castor oil is particularly helpful in reducing the swelling of the pilonidal cyst. It also helps to get rid of the infection that may be present within the cyst and hasten the healing process.
How to use castor oil for the cyst: Simply take 2-3 drops of castor oil, rub it on the cyst and leave it on. You can also cover the site by placing wet cotton on it. Repeat the process 2-3 times each day.
3. Onions:
The antimicrobial properties of onions are extremely helpful for treating the cyst. It helps to clear the infection and eventually stops you from getting Pilonidal cyst surgery.
How to use: Take a thick slice of onion and bind it over the cyst using a bandage. Change the piece of onion every few hours.
4. Baking soda:
Baking soda helps to keep the swelling down and soothe the irritated skin. Also, using vinegar in the remedy helps to fasten the healing process because of vinegar’s antimicrobial properties.
How to use: Mix half teaspoon of baking soda and half teaspoon of vinegar to form a paste. Apply it on the cyst and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with water afterwards.
5. Epsom salt:
Epsom salt is a great remedy for treating boils and cysts because it helps to drain the liquid that forms inside the sac. The salt also helps to reduce inflammation and helps to manage the pain by soothing the area.
How to use: Draw a bath with warm water and put 4-5 teaspoons of Epsom salt in it. Soak yourself in the water for 15-20 minutes and repeat the process every alternative day.
6. Honey:
Honey is a natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties. That is why honey, paired with some cinnamon, is extremely helpful in reducing a Pilonidal Cyst. Also, cinnamon has tissue regenerative properties that can help heal the wound faster.
How to use: Put half teaspoon of cinnamon powder in 2 tablespoons of honey and form a paste. Apply it on the site of the cyst and let in remain for as long as possible. Repeat the process twice daily.
7. Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is one of the natural substances that are extremely beneficial for the skin. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to treat a Pilonidal Cyst.
How to use: Take half teaspoon of liquefied organic coconut oil and apply it generously over the cyst. Use it twice daily and leave it on for two hours at a time.
8. Bloodroot powder:
Bloodroot powder helps to get rid of the infection in the cyst which might get aggravated and warrant a Pilonidal Cyst surgery.
How to use: Take a pinch of bloodroot powder and mix it with 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Take the mixture and apply it on the cyst with the help of a Q-tip. Use it 3-4 times each day.
9. Dried burdock root:
Using the powder from dried burdock root helps to remove the toxins from the site of the cyst and fastens the healing process. It is also infinitely helpful in treating conditions like psoriasis.
How to use: Mix half teaspoon of the powder with 1 tablespoon of honey and apply the paste on the cyst. Use it twice daily for 2-3 hours at a time.
10. Apple cider vinegar:
The vinegar helps to maintain the pH level of the skin and helps to remove the toxins from the Pilonidal cyst.
How to use: Mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon water to dilute it. Soak cotton into the mixture and secure it over the site of the cyst with a band-aid. Repeat the process twice daily.
11. Black tea:
Black tea has antioxidants that help to reduce the swelling of the cyst. As a result it also helps to manage the pain from it.
How to use: Take a used black tea bag and leave it on the site of the cyst for a few hours. Repeat the process 2-3 times every day.
12. Garlic:
Garlic is a known natural antiseptic. When you see the cyst forming, using the garlic immediately can stop it from growing further and help you avoid getting a Pilonidal cyst surgery.
How to use: Take 1-2 garlic cloves and grind them into a paste using some water. Apply the paste on the cyst and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
13. Hot and cold compress:
Apply hot and cold compress helps to regulate blood circulation in the affected area, hastening up the healing process.
How to use: Dip a clean towel in hot or cold water and remove the excess water by wringing it. Leave the towel on the cyst for 10-15 minutes and repeat the procedure 2-3 times each day.
14. Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is a medicinal herb. Along with its flavor, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use: Boil 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water, strain it and drink the concoction. Drink it every day until the cyst reduces.
15. Exercise:
Obesity can be one of the reasons for Pilonidal cyst formation. Regular exercise can help to prevent the cyst from forming. In the case of an already formed cyst, exercise helps to increase the blood flow and hasten the healing process.
16. Aloe vera:
Aloe vera has excellent anti bacterial properties that help to fight infection. It also has a soothing effect on the affected site.
How to use: Take 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel and add a few drops of castor oil to it. Apply the mixture on the cyst and leave it for an hour. Rinse it with water. Repeat the process 3-4 times every day.
Thus these are the 16 home remedies for Pilonidal cyst that can help you to avoid a Pilonidal cyst surgery to an extent!
The Last Note– You should not neglect the condition of pilonidal sinus or cyst if no remedy works. Get in touch with a specialist doctor for the best medical treatment. Receiving the timely treatment for pilonidal cyst will save you from a lot of unprecedented complications. Feel free to contact us at Pristyn Care for the most effective treatment. Just book your online appointment and visit your nearby Pristyn Care clinic
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