Top Home Remedies for Pilonidal Cysts: A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Get Rid Of Pilonidal Cysts Naturally
A pilonidal cyst is quite a common skin ailment that occurs near the coccyx (tailbone), right at the top of the buttocks crease. The exact cause is not known, but researchers believe that the cyst is caused by some loose hair that tends to penetrate the skin.
Well, this condition is not life-threatening but it’s extremely agonizing, uncomfortable, and quite painful. If you suffer from this cyst, you have two options: go for the costly treatment, which can include anti-bacterial treatments and surgery, or make yourself some home remedies and get rid of it. Of course, the latter will be pocket-friendly and very effective.
Let’s focus on the top 10 home remedies for pilonidal cysts, getting into details on how you can prepare them and prevent the condition from deteriorating. Here is some very powerful and effective pilonidal cyst treatment.
Table of Contents
- 1. Shave all the hair in the region
- 2. Tea tree oil for pilonidal cysts
- 3. Warm compresses for pilonidal cysts
- 4. Apple Cider Vinegar for pilonidal cysts
- 5. Castor oil for pilonidal cysts
- 6. Epsom salt for pilonidal cysts
- 7. Garlic for pilonidal cysts
- 8. Turmeric Paste for pilonidal cysts
- 9. Aloe Vera Extract for pilonidal cysts
- 10. Black tea bags for pilonidal cysts
- Conclusion
1. Shave all the hair in the region
The hair around the affected area is the culprit and might cause the condition to deteriorate, so you need to start by maintaining proper personal hygiene. Shave off the hair, being very careful not to break the cyst. This can be extremely painful and might also lead to further infections. Here’s what to do.
You will need…
- Sterilized shaving blade
- Depilatory or epilator cream
Directions
Apply the depilatory or epilator cream on the affected area and then use the sterilized shaving blade to get rid of the hair.
It is recommended that you avoid using any cream that can cause irritation at all costs. When you are done shaving, gently wipe the area with lukewarm water. This helps reduce the occurrence of the cyst, not to mention treat the symptoms.
2. Tea tree oil for pilonidal cysts
Do you know that tea tree oil contains curative and healing powers, especially when it comes to skin ailments? That’s right. According to studies, this oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a great remedy to keep infections at bay. As it penetrates the skin on the area of the cyst, it promotes quicker healing.
You will need…
- A bottle of tea tree oil
- A cup of lukewarm water
- A clean washcloth
Directions
Now here’s the deal. First, dilute the tea tree oil using lukewarm water. Do it in a ratio of 1:10. Gently apply it directly to the area affected, leaving it for around 10 minutes. Rinse the same area using lukewarm water, patting it dry with a clean cloth. Repeat this process about two or three times daily.
3. Warm compresses for pilonidal cysts
The pain from the infection can sometimes be unbearable and anything that comes in handy to reduce this pain is much welcome. To get some relief, a warm compress will do wonders. Not only will it reduce the pain, but it will also drain the pus and the fluid accumulated within the sac, initiating the healing process.
You will need…
- A bowl of hot water
- Washcloth
Directions
Soak the washcloth in the bowl of hot water, and then wring out any excess water. Gently hold the washcloth directly on the affected area allowing it to sit there for about 5 minutes. Repeat this process between 3 and 4 times per day until you start seeing the fluid drain.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar for pilonidal cysts
Apple cider vinegar is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be very helpful in reducing any swelling and pain as a result of the Pilonidal Cyst. More studies have also proved that it prevents bacterial growth, which is all that’s needed to start the healing process and prevent further infection.
You will need…
- 3 teaspoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm water
- A cotton ball
Directions
Take the 3 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and mix it with the ½ cup of lukewarm water. Now soak the cotton ball in the solution, placing it right on the affected region. Let it sit there for about a minute. Repeat this process about 3 to 4 times a day for several days.
Tips/Note
There’s also another way you can use the apple cider vinegar without necessarily interfering with the affected area. Just add 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar (unfiltered one) into a glass with warm water, and then drink it twice per day. This will also help promote healing right from within.
5. Castor oil for pilonidal cysts
This is a great home remedy that’s also recommended by physicians in the treatment of Pilonidal Cyst. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with the cyst, and thus promoting faster healing.
You will need…
- A cotton ball
- Warm castor oil
- Bandage
Directions
Get the cotton ball and soak it in warm castor oil. Apply it directly to the affected region, securing it with a bandage. Let it remain there for an hour or so and then repeat the process, ensuring that you use a fresh bandage and freshly soaked ball each time. Do this about 2 or 3 times a day until you finally see the cyst disappear.
6. Epsom salt for pilonidal cysts
Epsom salt is also a handy remedy for the treatment of Pilonidal Cyst. According to various researchers, the magnesium sulfate contained in it has healing properties, guaranteeing you relief from the pain and agony as a result of the condition.
You will need…
- 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- Cotton ball
Directions
- Mix the Epsom salt with the warm water ensuring that the salt granules are dissolved completely.
- Now soak the cotton ball in the solution and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Let it remain there for between 20 and 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process once daily until the cyst subsides.
Tips/Note
If you feel that 30 minutes can be a long time to wait, then there’s an alternative you can try. Mix Epsom salt and warm water in a bathtub and take a hot bath. For every six inches of water, use one cup of Epsom salt.
7. Garlic for pilonidal cysts
Thanks to its antifungal and antibiotic properties, Garlic is another great natural remedy that can cure the Pilonidal cyst. Here’s what you need to do.
You will need…
- Garlic clove
- Knife
- Gauze
Directions
- Take the garlic clove and crush it with the back of your knife, and then apply it directly to the affected region.
- When it’s evenly spread, cover the area using gauze, leaving it for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the area thoroughly.
- Repeat this once per day for several days.
Tips/Note
As you repeat this process, you could also add more garlic into your diet to help boost your immune system. This also helps promote healing and fight infections.
8. Turmeric Paste for pilonidal cysts
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, turmeric is also known to have antiseptic properties, making it a great remedy to treat infections.
You will need…
- 1 tablespoon of powdered turmeric
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm water
Directions
- The first step is mixing the turmeric powder with a few drops of water to make a fine paste.
- Now smear this paste directly on the cyst, letting it dry completely on its own.
- Rinse the region using lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process about 2 or 3 times every day for several days.
Tips/Note
Alternatively, you can choose to take a glass of milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. This also promotes the healing of the Pilonidal Cyst.
9. Aloe Vera Extract for pilonidal cysts
According to Globo Surf, to reduce swelling and pain, as well as stimulate the healing process, Aloe Vera can be very effective. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that it can reduce the discomfort the cyst subjects you to, not to mention fasten the healing of the cyst.
You will need…
- Fresh Aloe Vera extract
- 1 cup of lukewarm water
- Cotton ball
Directions
There are two ways to use Aloe Vera to treat the Pilonidal cyst.
One…
- Get the fresh Aloe Vera gel and apply it right to the affected region.
- Let it sit there for around 14 to 20 minutes and then rinse it using lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process three to four times daily.
Two…
- Soak a cotton ball in the fresh Aloe Vera for about 5 minutes before placing it on the affected region for about 30 minutes.
- Each time ensure that you wait for around 2 hours before applying a freshly soaked ball.
10. Black tea bags for pilonidal cysts
Tea contains acidic properties and therefore can prevent the Pilonidal cyst from progressing. It keeps any infections at bay, providing much-needed relief from swelling and pain.
You will need…
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 cup of warm water
Directions
Dip the tea bag in warm water for about 5 minutes, and then squeeze out all the excess water. Hold the moist bag over the area for between 5 to 10 minutes. Do this about 2 or 3 times per day for around a week.
Conclusion
No one should suffer from a Pilonidal cyst when they can use some remedies readily available in their home to get rid of the infection. You don’t have to spend a fortune either trying to seek expensive treatment options. Following thorough research, I can assure you that any of these top 10 remedies work wonders to heal the Pilonidal cyst. Go ahead and share the article to ensure no one ever suffers alone as a result of this skin ailment.