How To Get Rid of Cysts: A Comprehensive Guide on Management and Risk Reduction
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jul 4, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jul 4, 2024Table of Contents
Cysts are like small bags that can show up inside the body, or on its surface. Their size and place can vary. They often enclose fluid, gas, or other things. Though usually harmless, cysts might lead to pain now and then. That’s why we should not ignore their management or risk reduction.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of cysts, how to detect them, and the available management options. We’ll also check out homemade remedies to shrink or get rid of cysts, stop them from forming, and how to get prepared for the doctor’s visit. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
Cysts can show up anywhere in the body due to many reasons. Some common types of cysts are as follows.
Epidermoid cysts come from hair roots and your skin’s outer cover, or the epidermis.
These cysts are usually small, round, and filled with dead skin flakes and a skin protein called keratin. If a hair root gets damaged, it can lead to a pile-up of keratin under the skin, forming these cysts.
You can mostly find these cysts on the face, neck, and main body.
Sebaceous cysts occur in the sebaceous glands, which release an oily fluid for the skin and hair.
These cysts are filled with a thick, yellow-like thing called sebum. They form when these glands get blocked or hurt.
Sebaceous cysts usually show up on the face, neck, and upper body.
Breast cysts are sacs filled with fluid and are found within the breast tissue.
These cysts can form due to hormone changes, say during menstruation, or if the breast tissue gets damaged.
Routine breast examinations or screenings such as mammograms often detect breast cysts. Ways to manage may include taking out the fluid with a needle or removing the cyst through surgery if it’s causing a lot of pain or you’re worried about how it looks.
Ganglion cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form along tendons or joints, often in hands and wrists.
These cysts turn up when the fluid that helps your joints and tendons move smoothly piles up inside a sac, making a firm and smooth lump. We don’t fully know why ganglion cysts form. But joint or tendon soreness, injury, or swelling might lead to these.
Your healthcare professional can figure out if it’s a ganglion cyst through a physical check-up and your past health record. Management includes keeping an eye on it, taking out fluid, anti-inflammatory medicines, or surgery.
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that occur in or on ovaries.
There are many kinds of ovarian cysts, with functional cysts being the most common. Such cysts form when the follicle, which releases an egg every menstrual cycle, doesn’t rupture. This lets fluid buildup.
Ovarian cysts often stay hidden with no signs and can go away on their own. But if signs like pain in the belly or irregular periods occur, management depends on factors such as your age, the cyst’s size, type, and whether you’re facing symptoms. Observation, medicine, or surgery might be called for.
Other less-seen types of cysts can develop in the kidneys (renal cysts), liver (liver or hepatic cysts), and pancreas (pancreatic cysts).
Making sure of a cyst’s diagnosis is vital to decide the right management. A healthcare professional will weigh different factors to tell if and what kind of cyst is there.
Your doctor will feel and look at the skin area of the likely cyst. They will judge its size, shape, hardness, and movement. They may also check the skin for signs of swelling or infection.
For deeper cysts or cysts in places like the breast or ovaries, image tests like ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scans often further look into the problem.
Ultrasound uses high-speed sound waves to make real-time images of body tissues. This non-invasive test can share details on the size, shape, and features of a cyst.
CT and MRI scans use top-grade technology to share detailed, cross-sectional views of the body’s organs and inside structures. These tests may help spot cysts and set them apart from other types of lumps.
In cases where the content or nature of a cyst is unclear, your healthcare professional may choose to do a needle biopsy or aspiration procedure. They put a thin needle into the cyst to take out fluid or tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
The choice of management for a cyst depends on things such as its type, size, place, and whether it’s causing pain. Management options include:
Your healthcare professional may suggest keeping an eye on the cyst. They will track changes in its size and appearance with no other action. This course is often chosen for small, symptomless cysts.
Putting heat or cold packs on the cyst may help reduce swelling and ease pain.
If the cyst is large, causing pain, or might be infected, your healthcare professional could suggest medicines to manage symptoms or fix the root causes.
A corticosteroid shot in the cyst can help reduce swelling and reduce the cyst over time. This management may be suggested for cysts that cause a lot of discomfort.
If a cyst is infected, your healthcare professional may suggest oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines. These may help lower the risk of complications and speed up recovery.
If the cyst is large or causing problems, it may have to be taken out through surgery.
Some cysts can be removed using less-invasive methods, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. These use small cuts and special tools to take out the cyst with as little discomfort to nearby tissues as possible.
More far-reaching or complex cysts may need normal surgery. In this, a bigger cut is made, and the entire cyst is removed. This option is often required for cysts that can return easily or pose a key risk to nearby organs or structures.
While not always successful, home remedies may help shrink or dissolve cysts, reduce pain, or avoid infection. They include the following.
As shared earlier, putting a hot press on a cyst may help reduce swelling, and aid repair. Soak a clean cloth in hot water and squeeze out any extra water. Apply it to the cyst for 10-15 minutes and do it many times a day.
Tea tree oil may stop infections and lower swelling in certain kinds of cysts. Dilute a few drops of this oil in a carrier oil like coconut or olive and rub it on the cyst. Repeat many times a day with a clean cotton swab or cloth.
A popular home remedy, apple cider vinegar may help reduce swelling and infections. So, it might help reduce the cyst’s size and make you feel better. Mix apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and put it on the cyst. Repeat many times a day using a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Aloe vera is known to soothe and reduce swelling. It may help ease some cyst-related discomfort. Put pure aloe vera gel, cream, or lotion directly on the affected area. Do this many times a day.
Castor oil may reduce infections and lower swelling. So, it might help make some types of cysts smaller or relieve pain. Smear a small amount of pure castor oil directly on the cyst many times per day.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It might help to make a cyst smaller and soothe any discomfort. Apply a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and gently press it onto the cyst. Repeat several times a day.
Honey is famous for its ability to stop infections and lower swelling. Hence, it might help make a cyst smaller and ease any discomfort. Apply a small amount of raw honey directly to the cyst and repeat as needed throughout the day. Keep the area clean and dry in between uses.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that might help make a cyst smaller and lessen any discomfort. Make a paste of turmeric powder and water and apply it directly on the cyst. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Always note that these remedies may or may not work. If you feel there is no improvement, or the cysts are getting larger or symptomatic, always seek medical help.
While avoiding cysts might not be always possible, certain lifestyle changes may lower the risk of getting them and keep the skin healthy.
Proper skin hygiene may help you lower the chance of getting certain types of cysts. For instance, those linked to blocked pores or infected hair roots.
Gently wash and rub the skin often to get rid of dead skin, dirt, and extra oils. These may give rise to cysts. Choose soft, scent-free products that won’t damage the skin.
Don’t use harsh chemicals, perfumes, or other things that may damage the skin. This can lead to certain types of cysts.
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals may help keep the skin healthy. Also, it might keep certain types of cysts at bay.
Make sure the diet has enough nutrients. These include vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as zinc. They play a key role in keeping skin healthy.
Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, nuts, and seeds might reduce the risk of cysts caused by swelling.
Managing stress and staying active may avoid some types of cysts linked to hormone changes. These steps may also keep the skin healthier overall.
If you think you have a cyst or have doubts about any changes in an already known cyst, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional. Here are some steps to get ready for your clinic visit.
Note any changes in the appearance, size, or feel of the cyst. Also, keep a record of any other signs like pain or tenderness.
Prepare a list of all the questions you want to ask your healthcare professional about the cyst. Include points like what could be causing it and management options. Bring this list with you to your appointment to make sure you cover all your doubts.
Give your healthcare professional a full account of your past health record. Include details of any past cysts or skin issues. Also, share a list of all current medicines, supplements, or managements.
Your doctor might ask about your signs, carry out a physical check-up, and suggest more tests (like image tests) to find out the true nature and cause of the cyst. They’ll then discuss suitable management options with you based on your unique needs and situation.
Cysts can be a common skin issue and may start from being harmless lumps to more serious conditions requiring medical care. Knowing the types of cysts, their causes, how to diagnose them, and available management is important. This helps in handling and avoiding cyst-related issues. While certain homemade management may help reduce pain and discomfort, only a healthcare professional can rightly diagnose and suggest an apt course of management. So, don’t think twice about reaching out to your doctor if you’re worried about a cyst.
Never try to take out a cyst at home, as it raises the risk of infection and may not assure total removal. Home remedies, like hot presses, may relieve discomfort, and reduce swelling. However, if your cyst grows fast, causes pain, or seems infected or swollen, do see a healthcare professional.
Putting a warm press on a cyst may help reduce swelling and promote recovery of the cyst. However, if you’re worried about a cyst or if it’s causing you pain, do see a healthcare professional. The home remedies are a hit or a miss.
Ultimately, there isn’t a natural home remedy that can definitely dissolve a cyst. Your best bet is to check with a healthcare professional about management options for the specific type of cyst you have.
Seeing a healthcare professional is the fastest way to receive the right management and get rid of a cyst. Your doctor might suggest watchful waiting, medicine, or surgery depending on the situation.
Some cysts may reduce in size or disappear on their own without any action. However, it’s key to keep monitoring the cyst for changes. Consult with a healthcare professional if you’re worried about its size, looks, or symptoms linked with the cyst.
Cysts can form due to a range of reasons. These include infection, inflammation, injury, or genetics. Pinpointing the exact cause and type of cyst will help in deciding the right management and risk reduction.
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