A pilonidal cyst, also known as a tailbone cyst, starts as a small dimpled depression on the lower back, between the buttocks. It is caused by an ingrowing hair and can lead to an abscess and painful boil if it becomes infected. [1] These cysts can be treated with surgery, but recovery times can be long. So if you want to know how to get rid of pilonidal cysts with home treatment, then we have you covered. Our home remedies for pilonidal cyst will treat the abscess and help prevent reoccurrence.
Pilonidal cyst causes
Pilonidal disease is caused by an ingrowing hair at the natal cleft, the deep groove that runs between the two buttocks just below the tailbone.
Over time, hair shafts are drawn inwards by the motion from the buttocks
The ingrown hair triggers an immune response as it is viewed as a foreign body.
A hair filled abscess then builds up under the skin.
Barbs on the hair shaft prevent expulsion of the hair through the surface of the cyst.
Over time, keratin builds up and the hair follicle extends, which can form an ‘epithelialized’ tube. This is when skin cells, whose job it is to repair surface skin damage, begin to form a subsurface tube, encasing the extended hair.
This tube can sometimes rupture into the subcutaneous fat below the skin and form a pilonidal abscess.
What are the Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst?
When a pilonidal cyst first forms, it appears as a small dimple. This is the stage where the hair follicle has started to grow inwards.
However, when the cyst becomes infected, this is when pus and fluid buildup and a pilonidal abscess forms below the skin: the cyst then becomes a large swollen boil-like growth.
Pilonidal cyst pain is most acute during the infection stage.
The following pilonidal cyst symptoms may occur near the bottom of your spine:
- Extreme pain, especially while using the washroom
- Tenderness
- Redness and inflammation
- Pus that oozes from the abscess
- Foul smell due to pus
If the infection becomes severe and the abscess ruptures into the subcutaneous fat, additional symptoms such as malaise, fever, and nausea may also occur as the in
If you are looking for ways to heal pilonidal cyst naturally, try the following home remedies.
How to prevent pilonidal cysts
If you are wondering how to prevent pilonidal cysts, then the chances are you have recently had one, and wish to avoid a recurrence.
Pilonidal cyst prevention must start with hygiene. The area near the tailbone (sacrococcygeal) must be kept clean and dry. Humidity and the rubbing action from the buttocks is the primary reason why hairs can ingrow.
Consider shaving the area or applying depilatory creams (creams that reduce hair growth).
Also, consider adding anti-bacterial remedies to your bath to keep surface skin bacteria to a minimum.
Try to avoid putting pressure on the tailbone area when sitting. Obesity is a contributory factor so losing weight will help keep the cysts away as it will reduce pressure and reduce rubbing between the buttocks.
Home Remedies for Pilonidal Cyst
- Make a Warm Compress
To heal a pilonidal cyst naturally and to get rid of the accompanying pain, prepare a warm compress. A warm compress can also aid in drainage of the pus and fluid accumulated in these cysts. [2]
Take a clean piece of cloth and soak it in hot water. Wring it out to remove excess water. Place the warm cloth on the affected area for some time. Repeat this process four times every day until you observe fluid drainage.
You may also opt for a hot sitz bath or consider rinsing the area with warm water as an alternative.
Remember that while warm compress can help in cyst drainage, it may not stop its growth.
- Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong curative and healing powers in the form of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is one of the best home remedies for pilonidal cysts as it can help prevent a pilonidal cyst from getting infected. [3]
Additionally, tea tree oil can penetrate deep into the skin to promote healing which makes it a great pilonidal cyst home treatment.
Take some tea tree oil and add water in the ratio of 1:10. Apply this mixture to the affected area and let it stay for ten minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water and pat dry it completely.
Repeat this remedy thrice every day to observe significant improvements.
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar can help in reducing swelling. [4]
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can prevent bacterial growth. In this way, it can also stop a pilonidal cyst from complicating.
To use apple cider vinegar as a pilonidal cyst treatment, mix two teaspoons of it in half a cup of water. Take a cotton ball and soak it in this solution.
Now, place this cotton ball on the affected area and let it stay there for one minute. Repeat the process three times a day.
You can also add one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water. Drink it twice every day to promote healing.
- Try Epsom Salt
Are you still looking for the best antibiotic for pilonidal cyst? Look no further and try Epsom salt as a natural alternative.
Epsom salt can provide fast relief. The magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt can expel pus and promote healing. [5]
Additionally, Epsom salt will also reduce swelling and pain due to a pilonidal cyst.
Take one tablespoon of Epsom salt and add it in two cups of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in it and place it on the affected area for half an hour. Repeat it once daily for a few days.
Another way to use Epsom salt as a pilonidal cyst home treatment is by mixing it in bath water. Add one cup of this salt for every six inches of water soak in for twenty minutes.
- Use Castor Oil
Are you searching for the easiest way to heal pilonidal cyst naturally? Try castor oil.
Castor oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the swelling and pain accompanied by a pilonidal cyst. [6] Additionally, it can also speed up the process of healing.
Heat some castor oil and soak a cotton ball in it. Apply this cotton ball on the affected area and secure it with the help of a bandage. Repeat the process thrice daily but remember to use a fresh cotton ball and bandage every time,
Keep following this natural pilonidal cyst treatment until it disappears.
- Garlic
Garlic is probably the best antibiotic for pilonidal cyst. It possesses strong antibacterial properties which boost the immune system and promote healing. [7]
Take a garlic clove and crush it with the help of a knife. Apply it on the affected area and use a gauze to cover it for some time before rinsing. Repeat this once daily for several days.
You may also eat a clove of crushed garlic twice daily followed by a glass full of water.
Garlic can also be applied topically, but it may not be appropriate for those having sensitive skin. If you are still considering it, do not let it stay on the skin for more than ten minutes.
- Aloe Vera
Using aloe vera for skin not only reduces the skin problems but can also decrease pain and swelling related to a pilonidal cyst. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will ease the discomfort and speed up the healing. [8]
To stimulate healing and reduce pain and swelling, aloe vera is very effective. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can reduce the discomfort due to a pilonidal cyst.
Take out some fresh aloe vera gel and rub it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water and repeat this process thrice every day.
- Try Turmeric
Turmeric
consists of an active component called curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation around a pilonidal cyst.
Moreover, the antiseptic property of turmeric makes it a great way of healing a pilonidal cyst naturally.
Take one tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix some water in it to form a paste. Apply this paste on the cyst and let it dry. Use lukewarm water to rinse the area. Repeat this remedy thrice daily for a week.
- Black Tea Bags
Black tea bags have acidic properties which stop the cysts from worsening. Using them can also avoid any secondary infections and complications. [9] [10]
The anti-inflammatory properties of black tea bags will also be helpful in relieving swelling and pain. So, do include them in your home remedies for pilonidal cyst.
Take a black tea bag and dip it in warm water for about 5 minutes. Now remove it and squeeze it to let go of the excess water. Hold this tea bag on the affected area for ten minutes.
Use this remedy multiple times daily for a few days.
- Indian Lilac
Indian lilac, also known as neem, has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. So, it can be used to keep the cyst clean of any infection.
Heal pilonidal cyst naturally by grinding a few neem leaves to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area for 20 minutes and rinse it off with hot water.
- Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a potent antimicrobial agent that can fight off every infection. It can also reduce the inflammation and irritation due to these cysts. [11][12]
Take half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it in an equal amount of white vinegar. A paste will be formed which you can apply on the pilonidal cyst for 20 minutes.
Use water to rinse off this paste. Repeat it once every day.
- Opt for Onions
Onion is a good pilonidal cyst treatment because of its antimicrobial properties. [13] It can not only treat the cyst but also prevent bacteria from infecting and complicating it.
Take a thick slice of onion and place it on the affected area. Use a bandage to hold it in position. Keep changing the onion slice every 2 to 3 hours.
- Make a Honey & Cinnamon Paste
When you think of an anti-inflammatory agent, honey is the first thing that should pop into your mind. It is rich in antiseptic properties and can heal pilonidal cyst naturally. [14]
Cinnamon, on the other hand, possesses antimicrobial properties to prevent bacterial infection. It will also speed up healing due to its tissue-regenerative effects. [15]
Mix a little cinnamon in honey to form a paste and apply it on the cyst. Let it stay for 15 minutes before rinsing it. Repeat it one or two times daily.
- Call for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent and is a popular home remedy for pilonidal cysts.
Its healthy fatty acid composition reduces inflammation and makes the skin better. [16][17]
Melt some coconut oil between your fingers and use it on the affected skin. Let it stay for a couple of hours. Repeat it twice every day.
- Find Burdock Root
Burdock root is a great way to heal pilonidal cyst naturally. It has already been in use to manage other skin conditions like eczema. It is a perfect pilonidal cyst treatment as it can remove toxins and heal it quickly. [18]
Take half a teaspoon of burdock powder and mix it in one tablespoon of honey. Apply it on the affected area for fifteen minutes and rinse off.
Repeat this remedy twice daily.
Do’s
- Keep the crease of your buttocks dry and clean
- Wash the affected area with antiseptic and warm water thoroughly
- Try sleeping on the side of your stomach until the cyst resolves
- Try to include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet
Don’ts
- Do not use any sharp objects to poke the cyst
- Do not touch the affected area with dirty hands
- Do not use any gel or cream on the cyst as it may cause irritation
- Do not keep sitting for a long time
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