A lump or cyst on the back can become painful and irritated quickly. Fortunately, most cysts can be treated with home remedies, and with proper treatment, they should go away in about 1 week. This treatment includes keeping the area around the cyst clean and providing first aid until the cyst disappears. However, if you want to get rid of this problem more quickly or need treatment to treat a cyst that is infected or recurs frequently, medical help and alternative treatments may also be necessary.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Providing Basic Care at Home
Step 1. Apply a warm compress
Wet a cotton washcloth, cotton sheet, or sponge with warm water and apply it directly to the surface of the cyst. Compress the area until a cotton swab or washcloth is cool. Repeat this treatment several times a day until the cyst disappears.
- The heat will thin the fluid inside the cyst, causing the cyst to deflate and heal faster.
- The temperature of the water you use should be warm enough, but not hot enough to cause skin sores. Water should feel comfortable to the touch with your bare hands.
- You can also make a warm compress by placing a damp cloth in a plastic bag and then heating it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Make sure the cloth is not too hot before sticking it on your back.
Step 2. Consider adding Epsom salt to the compress solution
You can also mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Epsom salt in every 2 cups (500 ml) of warm water used for compressing. Salt can speed up the healing process.
However, adding too much salt can also dry out your skin. So, use Epsom salt solution for compresses only 1 or 2 times a day
Step 3. Clean the cyst area with soap and water
Use warm water and fragrance-free soap that won't dry out or irritate your skin. The area around the cyst should be kept clean, especially if the cyst has ruptured because dust and bacteria can enter it.
You may need to ask someone to clean the area of the cyst if it is in the middle of your back. If no one is there to help you, try rubbing the soap on with a back brush and then rinsing in the shower
Step 4. Apply first aid cream on the cyst
If the cyst is still painful, you may need to apply medication to reduce the inflammation. Look for creams formulated to pull the cyst to the surface, such as Boil-Ease. Antifungal creams and even hemorrhoid creams are helpful for some people. Whatever topical cream you choose, just apply a small amount on the surface of the cyst and then apply a bandage to protect it. Remove this plaster the next day and apply the cream again if necessary.
- Be sure to follow the directions for use listed on the cream packaging.
- If you have any questions about using the cream, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 5. Avoid exacerbating irritation to the cyst area
If the cyst on your back is painful, you can protect it with a bandage so it doesn't rub against your clothes. However, be sure to only use a light protective layer and remove this layer if the cyst is no longer at risk of rubbing or coming into contact with clothing in order to breathe.
For example, apply a bandage to the surface of the cyst during the day and remove it in the evening when you are home and can expose the area to air
Method 2 of 4: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Ask your doctor what treatment will relieve the cyst immediately
If the cyst on your back has a severe infection or you need to get it removed immediately, make an appointment with your GP or dermatologist. To treat this problem quickly, the doctor may cut the cyst and drain the fluid. If the cyst is severely inflamed, an injection of cortisone or steroids into the area may provide immediate relief.
- Both types of injections will make the cyst deflate within a few hours, and should also relieve any pain or itching caused by the cyst.
- However, the use of these injections may make the healing of the cyst unpredictable. So, after this injection has taken effect, you may develop an indentation or scar on your back. While it doesn't happen to everyone, it is possible. So, keep the risks in mind when you consider this treatment.
Step 2. Have the doctor remove the fluid from the cyst
A dermatologist may recommend that the fluid in the cyst be removed, either with a syringe or a scalpel, depending on its size and location. This is an outpatient procedure and can be done quickly at the doctor's clinic.
- In this procedure, the doctor will usually anesthetize the area around the cyst before inserting a small needle or scalpel directly into the cyst. After that, pus and other fluids that are in the cyst will be removed through the incision. The result, the cyst will deflate.
- The doctor may apply gentle pressure to the area to help drain the pus and other fluids as well as remove the hardened core of the cyst in the center.
- If done carefully, it usually won't cause pain or serious scarring.
Step 3. Ask for standard surgical excision
Surgical removal is usually best for back cysts that recur repeatedly. Standard excision surgery is usually reliable enough to remove most cysts. This procedure can be done with a small or wide incision, depending on the size of the cyst.
- Conventional wide excision surgery will remove the entire cyst. So, this procedure is very useful especially if the cyst is suspected to be malignant or causing other health problems.
- Minimal excision surgery is performed using small incisions to remove the cyst. As a result, the resulting scars are much lighter and have a greater chance of fully healing. However, this procedure is not as effective as wide excision surgery. So, there is still a chance that the cyst on your back will recur.
- Even in minimal excision surgery, the incision size should be slightly larger than the size of the cyst and should be closed with 1 or 2 sutures. This procedure usually leaves only a small scar.
Step 4. Consider laser surgery
Your doctor may recommend using a laser punch biopsy excision according to your condition. In this procedure, the doctor will use a laser to make a small hole in the cyst. Next, the contents of the cyst will be removed so that the outer wall will naturally deflate.
- About 1 month later, the outer wall of the cyst can be removed and surgically removed.
- The healing process after this procedure is longer, but with minimal scarring and can usually prevent the cyst from recurring.
Step 5. Follow the postoperative care recommendations carefully
After removing the cyst from your back, your dermatologist should recommend postoperative care. This treatment aims to minimize scarring while enhancing the healing process. Most postoperative care includes the use of antibiotic ointments. This ointment should be applied to the cyst area as directed and used until the wound is completely healed.
- This treatment is very important, especially if the cyst is surgically removed.
- Some dermatologists may also prescribe wound creams to lighten the skin and minimize the possibility of scar formation.
Method 3 of 4: Try Natural Treatments
Step 1. Use tea tree oil
Soak a sterile cotton ball in tea tree oil and place it directly on the surface of the cyst. Do this treatment 2-3 times a day until the cyst deflates and disappears.
- Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help heal some cysts. This oil may be more effective as a preventative because it can't penetrate the skin layers deep enough and reach the inside of the cyst. Therefore, to help prevent the appearance of cysts, use a moisturizer that contains tea tree oil specifically for skin prone to acne or cysts.
- If this oil makes your skin dry, you can dilute it with a light carrier oil such as olive oil or sesame oil. Simply mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts carrier oil and apply it directly to the surface of the cyst.
Step 2. Consider applying witch hazel to the cyst
Use a sterile cotton ball or cotton sheet to apply witch hazel gel or cream directly to the cyst on your back. Use enough witch hazel to cover the entire surface of the cyst then allow it to soak in before you clean it.
- Witch hazel is an astringent. The tannin content in witch hazel can remove excess oil from the skin when applied. Once the oil on the skin dries, the pores will tighten and the cyst will shrink.
- Using too much witch hazel can cause skin irritation. So, you should just use this treatment once a day.
- If the cyst on your back has a solid core, treatment with witch hazel will likely not be effective.
Step 3. Use apple cider vinegar
Apply apple cider vinegar directly to the surface of the cyst and then apply a clean bandage to cover it. Leave the bandage on for 3-4 days. After the bandage is removed, you may notice a hard layer over the surface of the cyst.
- Clean the area carefully with soap and water, and let the pus drain out. Once the cyst is clear, apply a new bandage.
- Leave this bandage for 2-3 days. Once the bandage is removed, the cyst and the surrounding skin area should have healed.
- Apple cider vinegar is believed to help drain excess oil and kill the infection-causing bacteria in the cyst.
- Unfortunately, this treatment may not work if your skin is sensitive. If your skin feels burning or itchy after applying apple cider vinegar, you should wash it off immediately and try another treatment.
- Apple cider vinegar may not be effective for severe cysts. Even so, apple cider vinegar is good enough to use as a preventative measure. Cleanse skin prone to breakouts or cysts daily with a mixture of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water.
Step 4. Apply the paste made with honey
Mix 1/2 cup (125 ml) wheatgrass with 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) pure honey in a blender. Blend these ingredients to form a paste then apply to the surface of the cyst.
- You may have to grind the wheat grass until it's liquid before adding the honey. Wheat grass is rich in various nutrients that can maintain healthy skin, making it suitable for use as a base for honey paste.
- Honey has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and both will help the healing process. Add enough honey to smooth the wheat grass and make a thick paste that can coat the entire surface of the cyst.
- After applying the honey paste, use a clean bandage to protect it overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning then wash the cyst area with water and mild soap.
- Ask your doctor or dermatologist to prescribe or recommend a wound bandage containing honey.
- This honey treatment is most effective once the cyst core has been removed. Honey alone will not be able to remove the core of the cyst.
- Honey can also cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. If your skin feels hot, you are most likely experiencing a negative reaction. Immediately wash the honey off your skin. Consult with your doctor first before trying this treatment again if your skin is also sore or there are other side effects.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Cysts
Step 1. Use antibacterial soap for bathing every day, especially during hot weather
Cysts often form when sweat, dust, and oil get trapped in the skin, for example on the back and buttocks. If you have a lot of hair on your skin, cysts will also appear more easily on your back. You are also at risk of developing cysts if you are physically active or spend a lot of time in hot places. If you are prone to cysts, ask your doctor or dermatologist for recommendations for a good antibacterial cleanser.
Antibacterial soaps containing triclosan and triclocarban are no longer approved by the FDA in the US. Ask your doctor for other antibacterial soaps that are safer and more effective, such as tea tree soap
Step 2. Wear cotton clothes during hot weather
Clothing can trap heat, sweat, and oil on the skin, thereby contributing to the formation of cysts. Therefore, when exercising or spending time outdoors in hot weather, choose loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Avoid synthetic materials that are tight against the skin such as Lycra or nylon
Step 3. Follow a nutritious, low-fat diet
Eating certain foods, especially fatty foods and processed foods that are not nutritious, also contributes to the formation of cysts. Fatty and brown meats can also cause problems for some people. If you are prone to developing cysts, avoid nutrient-dense foods and stick to a healthy and varied diet consisting of green leafy vegetables, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat protein (such as fish or chicken breast).
Zinc may also help prevent cysts and acne. Zinc is abundant in oysters, poultry, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fortified breakfast cereals
Step 4. Try to prevent the hair from growing into the skin
Infections of hair follicles that grow in the skin often develop into cysts. While you can't always avoid this problem, you can minimize this problem by exfoliating your skin regularly (say once a week) and moisturizing your skin daily with a gentle, oil-free moisturizer.
- Always wet your skin before shaving. Use a sharp, clean razor and shaving cream or gel to minimize cuts or scrapes on the skin while shaving.
- Regular cleaning of the skin with a glycolic acid or salicylic acid cotton swab may also help prevent ingrown hairs and infection of the follicles.
Tips
Hormones are the main cause of cysts in many people, especially in boys who are physically active and sweat a lot. To find out if hormonal factors play a role in the formation of the cyst you are experiencing, consult your doctor
Warning
- The core of the cyst can harden, making it difficult to heal. Doctor's help may be needed to remove the core of the cyst so that the problem can be completely resolved. If the core of the cyst is not removed, the same cyst will continue to appear, while home remedies (such as tea tree oil) will not be effective in treating it.
- Do not try to pop or drain the fluid from the cyst at home. This will only increase the risk of scar formation and lead to complications.
- Make an appointment with your doctor if a cyst on your back becomes infected or causes you pain. Cysts that do not respond to treatment and persist after treatment are at risk for malignancy. So, if you experience this, you should consult a doctor.
