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The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts Do They Work

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Adrian White — Updated on September 29, 2022

What is a cyst

Cysts are hard lumps filled with various substances that form in the body. There are many types. The most common type is an epidermoid cyst, which grows right under the skin. Doctors or surgeons may help you remove this type of cyst. This is the only reliable way to remove one completely. On the other hand, you can also try home remedies for your epidermoid cyst. These may help shrink it, reduce its appearance, or alleviate discomfort.

A precautionary note

Before discussing home remedies, it’s necessary to go over a few important details:You should never try to remove or pop a cyst at home. This increases chances of infection. Popping also doesn’t guarantee a cyst will go away permanently.None of the remedies in this article are known or proven to remove cysts completely. However, science suggests they may help in indirect ways.Even if they’re not yet proven to work, trying these remedies poses few risks if used correctly. Remember: If your cyst isn’t causing you problems, you don’t necessarily always need to remove it. Talk with your doctor if the cyst:bothers you aestheticallygets infectedcauses paingrows rapidly in size

1 Hot compress

Simple heat is the most recommended and effective home measure for draining or shrinking cysts. Here’s how it works: Heat may reduce the thickness of liquid in the cyst. In the case of liquid-filled epidermoid cysts, this may help fluid drain quicker into the lymphatic system. This system helps maintain fluid balance in the body and plays a role in protection against infection.

Keep in mind

Though this remedy is widely recommended by doctors and reputable sources, there are still no studies testing or showing that it’s effective. There’s also no research supporting the science for how it works. As well, it doesn’t permanently remove cysts — only a healthcare professional can do that. Although this method isn’t guaranteed to drain or reduce the appearance of a cyst, it may be worth a try.

To use

Heat clean water to a warm or hot temperature, not boiling.Wait for the water to cool to a tolerable, but hot, temperature for skin contact.Dampen a clean cloth with the water and apply to the cyst for 20 to 30 minutes.Repeat a few times each day.

2 Tea tree oil

Essential oil from the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) may help some cysts, albeit in an indirect way. Research shows tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity. This means it kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens, though it’s not as strong or effective as synthetic compounds. Some cysts are caused by ingrown hairs. These form when hair follicles don’t grow properly, leading to infection of a sebaceous gland. This creates a pus pocket that may become a cyst, referred to as a sebaceous cyst. As an antimicrobial, tea tree oil may help kill bacterial infections caused by ingrown hairs. It may decrease the chances of getting a cyst caused by an ingrown hair or reduce its appearance.

Keep in mind

Overall, tea tree oil isn’t a proven cyst remedy. There are still no studies that show it can remove or prevent cysts. Also, since not all cysts are caused by ingrown hairs, tea tree oil is highly unlikely to help all types of cysts — though trying it is low risk and may help in shrinking the cyst.

To use

Dilute tea tree essential oil in clean, warm, or hot water. Dilution ratio is two to three drops per 1 ounce of water.Apply the mixture directly to the cyst several times per day with a clean cloth. You can also combine tea tree oil applications with the above hot water compress remedy. Simply add essential oil to the hot water in the proper dilution ratio. Avoid applying undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the cyst or skin. This may cause discomfort, irritation, or burns. Always dilute the oil before topical use.

3 Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another recommended natural remedy. It may help with cysts to a limited extent. There are no studies showing apple cider vinegar reduces cysts or removes them. But, like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar is shown to be antimicrobial at full strength. This is thanks to the acetic acid. It might not be as effective at lower strengths against some types of microbes, but it’s still important to dilute it before applying it to your skin.

Keep in mind

Apple cider vinegar may be effective for certain kinds of cysts, such as those caused by bacteria, but there’s no guarantee. It may still be worth a try since there are very few health risks.

To use

Mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar.Apply this dilution directly to the cyst several times per day. You can combine apple cider vinegar applications with the hot water compress home remedy. Simply add the apple cider vinegar to the hot water in the proper dilution ratio. Never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to skin. Acetic acids may cause discomfort, irritation, or burns.

4 Aloe vera

Research shows that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Both may help with pain and irritation in cysts. Aloe vera may also help reduce the appearance or get rid of certain cysts caused by bacteria or other pathogens.

Keep in mind

In studies, aloe vera hasn’t been shown to reliably remove, drain, or reduce the appearance of cysts. It could be helpful for discomfort and pain, though more research is needed to fully support this.

To use

Following label directions, apply a pure aloe vera gel, cream, or lotion directly to an irritated or painful cyst as often as needed. Only source aloe products from reputable and trustworthy companies. It’s best to look at the ingredients list to be sure you’re getting pure aloe.

5 Castor oil

Oil from the castor plant (Ricinis communis) may help cysts in the same vein as apple cider vinegar or tea tree. Research shows castor oil is antimicrobial. It’s notably effective at killing bacteria that live in the skin, which can cause acne and cysts.

Keep in mind

Castor oil isn’t a proven cure for cysts, nor is it shown to reduce their appearance. It’s also unlikely to help all types of cysts, only the types caused by bacteria — though there’s no guarantee it helps with those types either.

To use

Make sure to source a 100 percent pure castor oil product. Only purchase products from trustworthy companies with good reputations.Put one drop of castor oil on your finger and apply to the cyst.Apply more if needed, as often as needed. A few times each day is recommended. Avoid ingesting castor oil if you’re pregnant or allergic to the substance. Also, be aware that it can cause diarrhea if consumed.

6 Witch hazel

Witch hazel is a common topical wash for acne. Research indicates it may help acne due to the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties could also benefit epidermoid cysts. It’s possible that witch hazel’s astringent tannins may help shrink them, while anti-inflammatory effects could ease pain.

Keep in mind

There are still no direct studies showing that witch hazel can treat cysts. It’s unlikely that it helps to remove them, though it may ease discomfort.

To use

Dab a cotton ball with witch hazel.Apply to the cyst area.Repeat a few times per day or as often as you’d like. People with sensitive skin may have reactions to witch hazel, but this can be avoided by diluting witch hazel with water.

7 Honey

Some recommend honey for cyst management, though research on this is scarce. However, a 2017 review of studies indicated it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Keep in mind

There’s not enough research to call honey a cyst treatment or remover. Using it may help with discomfort as well as cysts caused by bacteria.

To use

One method is to create a poultice by mixing honey, preferably raw and all-natural, with other antimicrobial herbs and ingredients. You then apply the mixture to the cyst and leave it on overnight. Alternatively, try this simpler technique:Put a dab of pure honey on the cyst site.Leave the honey on the cyst for a few hours, as a longer amount of time may help it to be more effective.Wash the honey away, and apply more as often as you would like.

8 Turmeric

While turmeric alone won’t get rid of a cyst, the spice has well-known anti-inflammatory properties that may help with the healing process.

Keep in mind

Turmeric isn’t a cure for cysts. There’s also no guarantee that it’ll prevent or reduce swelling. And it might not help at all with certain types of cysts.

To use

If possible, use fresh turmeric powder. Mix turmeric with water to create a paste.Apply it to the cyst as needed. A word of caution: Turmeric may cause skin reactions in some people. Before applying it directly to your cyst, patch test it on another small area of skin.

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Can you prevent a cyst from forming

You can’t prevent a cyst from forming, but you can prevent one from getting infected. The best way to do this is to avoid: squeezing itpopping itpoking it with anythingcutting it open

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible for a cyst to become infected

Yes. If a cyst is opened and exposed to the elements, bacteria can be introduced into the wound. This can potentially cause an infection.

When should you see a doctor about a cyst

If your cyst shows signs of infection, it’s time to see a doctor. Signs of infection include:rednessswellingpainbeing hot to the touchpus

Can cysts go away on their own

It depends on the type of cyst. However, most epidermoid cysts go away on their own and don’t require a doctor’s visit.

The bottom line

Some home remedies can help with certain aspects of cysts, or specific types. Hot water compresses are most recommended by reputable sources. Before using topical natural remedies, do a skin patch test: Apply a small amount to your forearm, and then wait for 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. Though these are rare, they could happen. If a home remedy causes discomfort, irritation, or other unusual symptoms, discontinue use immediately. Talk with your doctor instead about cyst treatment. Remember that the only proven way to remove a cyst is to have it done by a healthcare professional. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Dawid-Pać R. (2013). Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/Gopal J, et al. (2019). Authenticating apple cider vinegar's home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567?journalCode=gnpl20Hewlings SJ, et al. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/Jena J, et al. (2012). Ricinis communis lin: A phytopharmacological review.
researchgate.net/publication/235417877_Ricinus_communis_linn_A_phytopharmacological_reviewRadha MH, et al. (2015). Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review.
sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411014000078Samarghandian S, et al. (2017). Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/Wińska K, et al. (2019). Essential oils as antimicrobial agents-Myth or real alternative?
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 29, 2022 By Adrian White Edited By Mellanie Perez Medically Reviewed By Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Copy Edited By Copy Editors Oct 12, 2021 By Adrian White Edited By Chelsea Logan Medically Reviewed By Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI Copy Edited By Jen Anderson VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Adrian White — Updated on September 29, 2022

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