Do you suffer from excruciating pain every time you visit the loo? If this has been the case for weeks, it is likely that you may have developed pilonidal cysts. But don’t worry, as this condition, in its initial stages, can be treated at home. To know more, read on.
A pilonidal cyst is a sac-like structure that develops on the edge of the coccyx or the tailbone, near the parting of the buttocks (1). The cysts usually have hair and collect debris from dead skin cells. Pilonidal cysts can be either asymptomatic, i.e., you do not feel any pain or discomfort at all, or show symptoms like inflammation and pain.
There are several theories as to why these cysts come into existence, but so far, none of them has been proved to be consistent throughout the various cases of pilonidal cysts. One of the theories is that loose hair penetrates into the skin’s subcutaneous layer through follicles that have dilated. Due to this ingrown hair, a cyst forms around the hair and increases in volume due to accumulating skin debris.
During the Second World War, soldiers were found to develop pilonidal cysts due to riding in jeeps along bumpy roads for long hours (2). So, it is believed that repeated trauma or excessive pressure makes a person prone to the condition.
Following are some of the home remedies for pilonidal cysts.
Garlic is full of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. So, like in many cases of inflammation, it is a good remedy for pilonidal cysts in the initial stages. It is a good substitute for harsh, invasive surgical procedures to remove the cyst. It also contains antioxidants that help in fighting against germs that grow in the cyst. To treat a newly sprouted pilonidal cyst with garlic, you can make a paste of garlic with plain water. Now thickly smear this on the area and let it sit for half an hour. This will allow the garlic to extract the toxic materials from the cyst and also kill bacteria that might be growing inside. After that, take a warm bath and scrape away the garlic. This can be done twice a day for best results.
Salt helps in drawing out the excess liquid that may have been stored in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, like in boils and cysts. It also helps in reducing irritation or inflammation that is usually associated with pilonidal cysts.
You can take a soothing, warm bath with lavender bath salt or any other bath salt you can find in spa supply stores.
If you cannot find these, you can easily use plain old Epsom salt, which works just as well. Simply add a couple of teaspoons of Epsom salt in the warm bath and soak yourself in it for at least fifteen minutes. It will not only calm you after a long, stressful day, but also help in healing pilonidal cysts.
Essential oils have antifungal properties, which is why they are often added in home made remedies for boils (3).
You can use jojoba oil, which heals skin and moisturizes the affected area (4).
Peppermint oil reduces itching and irritation around the cyst and sage oil removes harmful toxins that accumulate in the cyst area.
To make this pilonidal cyst home remedy, make a mixture of 5 drops of each of these oils and rub on the cyst. You can also combine essential oil (only a couple of drops of the mixture) with Epsom salt and take a very effective salt bath.
Cysts, inflamed boils – all of these can be treated with apple cider vinegar. The vinegar, being acidic in nature, helps in balancing the pH levels of the skin. It also removes toxins from the pilonidal cyst.
To heal your cyst with apple cider vinegar, soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and press it firmly on the cyst. To keep the cotton ball in the position, attach it with a band-aid. You can also rinse the affected area with apple cider vinegar twice a day.
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