Finding a lump under your skin can be alarming, but in most cases, it is a sebaceous cyst. While they are usually harmless, they can become inflamed, tender, or cosmetically annoying. Understanding what they are, what causes them, and how to safely treat them at home can save you a lot of discomfort (and prevent dangerous infections).
Note: While these are commonly called “sebaceous cysts,” medical professionals often refer to them as epidermoid cysts or pilar cysts, as they technically form in the hair follicle or outer layer of skin rather than the sebaceous (oil) gland itself.
What Exactly is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a slow-growing, non-cancerous bump that forms just beneath the skin. It is essentially a small, closed sac or pocket of tissue filled with a soft, cheese-like, and often foul-smelling substance called keratin.
They feel like a small, round, movable ball under the skin. They are most commonly found on the face, neck, back, scalp, and chest. They usually have a tiny dark “punctum” (a blackhead-like plug) in the center.
The Main Causes
These cysts form when the cells of the skin surface (which naturally shed and flake off) don’t flake away; instead, they multiply and move deeper into the skin, forming a sac. This can be triggered by:
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Blocked Hair Follicles or Oil Glands: Similar to how a pimple forms, when a follicle gets blocked by thick sebum or dead skin, a sac can form.
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Trauma or Injury: A scratch, surgical wound, or even repeated friction (like a tight collar rubbing the back of the neck) can push surface skin cells into the deeper layers of the skin, triggering a cyst.
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Genetics: Some families are simply prone to developing multiple cysts (conditions like Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome).
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Damaged Hair Follicles: Shaving, waxing, or ingrown hairs can damage the follicle and lead to cyst formation.
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Acne: People with a history of severe acne or skin inflammation are more prone to developing these cysts.
The #1 Rule: Do NOT Squeeze It!
If you remember one thing, let it be this: Do not pop it like a pimple.
Unlike a pimple, a cyst is an encapsulated sac. If you squeeze it, you might push the keratin deeper, but you will not remove the sac itself. Squeezing usually causes the sac to rupture internally. The immune system sees the leaking keratin as a foreign invader, leading to severe inflammation, extreme pain, a massive infection (cellulitis), and likely a permanent scar.
Home Remedy Solutions
If you want to treat a small, non-inflamed cyst at home, the goal is to either reduce inflammation (if it is angry) or encourage it to drain naturally without rupturing the sac.
Disclaimer: These remedies are for mild cases. If the cyst is red, hot, oozing pus, or extremely painful, skip the home remedies and see a doctor immediately—you may need antibiotics or a professional incision and drainage.
1. The Warm Compress (The Most Effective Home Treatment)
Heat is your best friend. Applying a warm, moist compress increases blood circulation to the area, which helps soften the keratin inside and encourages the cyst to drain naturally to the surface.
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How to do it: Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not scalding) water, wring it out, and hold it against the cyst for 10–15 minutes.
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Frequency: Repeat this 3–4 times a day.
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Result: Over the course of several days, the cyst will often come to a “head” and slowly leak on its own. Once it drains, keep the area clean and covered with a sterile bandage.
2. Tea Tree Oil (Natural Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial)
Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic that can help calm an inflamed cyst and prevent a bacterial infection from setting in.
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How to do it: Always dilute it. Mix 2–3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (like coconut oil or olive oil). Apply this mixture directly to the cyst using a cotton ball.
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Frequency: Do this 2 times a day.
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Warning: Do not use undiluted tea tree oil on the skin; it can cause chemical burns.
3. Aloe Vera Gel (The Soothing Healer)
If the skin around the cyst is red and irritated from friction or an attempted squeeze, aloe vera can provide instant cooling relief.
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How to do it: Apply pure aloe vera gel (preferably straight from the leaf) directly to the cyst.
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Why it works: Aloe contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds (like gibberellins and auxins) that reduce swelling and soothe the surrounding skin.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Use with Caution
ACV is a popular internet remedy for cysts because the acetic acid is believed to help dry out and dissolve the blockage. However, it is highly acidic.
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How to do it: Mix equal parts raw ACV and water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the cyst, securing it with a bandage for 15–20 minutes.
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Warning: If you feel burning, remove it immediately and rinse your skin. Never use ACV on an open or bleeding cyst.
5. Castor Oil (The Draw-Out Salve)
Castor oil has been used for generations as a natural remedy to reduce inflammation and “draw out” impurities.
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How to do it: Soak a small piece of cotton or gauze in castor oil. Place it over the cyst and cover it with a warm compress or a heating pad for 30 minutes. The heat helps the castor oil penetrate deep into the skin.
6. Turmeric (The Internal & External Healer)
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent due to its active compound, curcumin.
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External: Mix turmeric powder with a little water or honey to form a thick paste. Apply it to the cyst, cover with gauze, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
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Internal: Drinking turmeric tea or taking a curcumin supplement can help reduce systemic inflammation in the body.
When to See a Doctor
Because home remedies rarely remove the sac itself, the cyst will likely fill back up over time, even if you successfully drain the fluid. The only way to permanently get rid of a sebaceous cyst is to see a dermatologist.
You should skip home remedies and call a doctor if:
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The cyst grows rapidly or becomes rock hard.
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It becomes excruciatingly painful, red, and warm to the touch (signs of infection).
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It is in an awkward location that causes daily pain (like the armpit or groin).
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You have a fever.
Professional treatment options include:
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Incision and Drainage (I&D): The doctor numbs the area, makes a small cut, and drains the contents. (Note: Without removing the sac, recurrence is high).
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Surgical Excision: The doctor removes the entire sac. This is the only 100% guaranteed way to ensure that specific cyst never returns.
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Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery.