Effective Home Remedies for Pilonidal Cyst

By Yaamini Radhakrishnan on November 18, 2022

Pilonidal cyst is defined as a condition where there is a sac filled with skin, hair, and other debris found between the top of the two buttocks. Hair trapped in the pores of the skin subject to constant friction can result in the development of these cysts. At times, these cysts can become infected with pus and create an abscess. Pilonidal cysts usually occur in men and women who sit for longer periods of time.

Causes of Pilonidal Cysts

The major reason for pilonidal cysts are due to the presence of ingrown hair. Some of the other causes include:

Poor hygiene
Excess sweating
Lack of exercise
Sedentary lifestyle
Excess body hair

Symptoms of Pilonidal Cysts

Some of the common symptoms people experience with pilonidal cysts are

Bleeding at the site of infection
Pus collection at the site
Inflamed skin

Home Remedies for Pilonidal Cyst

While seeking expert medical advice or going for surgical intervention is one of the effective ways to remove pilonidal cyst, there are several home remedies that are effective in treating pilonidal cysts.

1). Warm Compress

Warm compress is one of the easy home remedies for pilonidal cyst. The heat helps soothe inflammation and drain the pus thereby providing relief from pain.

2). Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that promote the faster healing of pilonidal cysts. Applying tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and further infection at the site. All you need to do is dilute tea tree oil with water in the ratio 1:10 and apply this mixture on the affected area.

3). Epsom Salt

One of the most effective pilonidal cyst remedies is to use Epsom salt on them. Epsom salt contains magnesium which help reduce inflammation and pain caused due to the cysts. It also helps remove the pus accumulated within the cyst. The easiest ways to use Epsom salt is to add it to your bucket of warm water and take a bath with it.

Epsom Salt

4). Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its anti-microbial properties, apple cider vinegar helps healing pilonidal cysts. It also prevents these cysts from getting further infected. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and place on the affected area gently. Repeating this 2 times daily can give quicker healing results.

Apple cider vinegar

5). Turmeric

Turmeric is an age-old remedy known to cure many infections. It is also considered one of the safe home remedies for pilonidal cyst. Turmeric has a component called curcumin which possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying turmeric on the affected area will reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. Make a paste of turmeric and water and apply this paste on the affected area twice daily.

Turmeric

Conclusion

Listed above are some of the effective home remedies for pilonidal cyst. Some other remedies also include Aloe Vera, coconut oil, onion, garlic, and burdock root. All these remedies help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. If these remedies do not reduce the inflammation and require medical intervention, seek medical help. Draining the cyst may be the only way to remove a pilonidal cyst in extreme cases. A better managed lifestyle coupled with these home remedies have proven to be quite effective in treating pilonidal cysts naturally.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/pilonidal-cyst-home-treatment

https://www.adlermicromed.com/pilonidal-cyst-home-treatment/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pilonidal-cyst/guide/

Yaamini Radhakrishnan:I am a clinic research professional, graduate in biotechnology and post graduate in biochemistry. Have also pursued freelance writing since the past 5 years I am married and have a daughter. I am a native and reside at Bangalore.