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If you have been witnessing the presence of a lump like structure around the end of your tailbone and just above the cleft of your buttocks, chances are that the same could be a Pilonidal cyst. Don’t worry, I was just as confused as you are now before I knew what it was. But, the shocking thing that I got to know is the fact that the remedies for Pilonidal cyst actually do help manage the symptoms.
Possible chances are that you can help keep the condition from getting worse with these natural remedies. But, at the same time, it is also true that these remedies aren’t enough to cure it completely.
To provide you with a better picture, we have sorted out some of the best ways to get rid of Pilonidal cyst for a better quality of life.
What is Pilonidal Cyst?
A Pilonidal cyst is characterized by the formation of a lump in the intergluteal cleft which is located in between your buttocks.
For the most part, much like any other form of cyst, even this is filled with pus and other compounds which make it get bigger and more inflamed.
It is possible that the condition might not be infected and remains as dormant as a lump of mass around the area but it is when it gets infected that you start experiencing the pain and the discomfort. If the cyst becomes infected, the condition is termed as Pilonidal abscess.
The condition is more common in men than in women. Additionally, people who tend to live a very sedentary lifestyle and are obese are also at risk of developing this condition.
What Causes Pilonidal Cyst?
Coming round to the causes behind the condition of Pilonidal cyst, it is still unclear.
Doctors are still trying to find the exact reason as to why it happens in the first place. There are possible risk factors surrounding it but pinpointing out a specific cause still needs more research to be conducted.
For the most part, experts and researchers do believe ingrown hair to be one of the most common reasons behind the same.
Given that the doctors do find a cluster of hair inside the affected cyst and the lump, chances are that the same could very well be a condition behind the cyst.
Additionally, any form of injury and even constant force and friction is believed to be two of the most common contributing factors behind this condition in the first place.
Also, it is also common in people who are born with an indent or even have dimpling around in between their butt cheeks. The area can often become infected, thus leading to the formation of the cyst which further affects one’s quality of life even more so.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst
With the basic knowledge around the same out of the way, the next thing that we definitely need to discuss about are the symptoms you are bound to experience.
For the most part, the symptoms are often confused with hemorrhoids but it is important that you get the diagnosis on time before it becomes worse.
Some of the common symptoms of Pilonidal cyst include:
- Evident presence of lump or cyst like structure in the intergluteal cleft
- Pain and redness across the affected area
- Leaking pus and blood from the cyst
- Bad odor
- Fever when an infection gets worse
Home Remedies For Pilonidal Cyst
When it comes round to the remedies to cure pilonidal cyst, the options are extensive.
The only thing that you need to understand with this is the fact that the home remedies can help ease the symptoms but won’t completely cure the condition.
If you find that the home remedies for infected pilonidal cyst aren’t working and making the condition worse, it is best suggested that you do consult a doctor for further investigation about it.
1. Warm compress
The very first and possibly the most effective remedy for getting rid of pilonidal cyst at home is to opt for a warm compress.
For the most part, the warm compress helps in reducing the inflammation and even provides relief from the pain that you might have been experiencing. It is mainly effective to handle the accessory symptoms that come along with this condition.
If the pain seems to have become worse, this can definitely help in keeping the condition in check.
What to do?
- Boil some water
- Use a sterile piece of cloth
- Dip it in the warm water and wring out the excess water
- Dab the warm compress on the affected area
How often?
- Multiple times in a day
2. Essential Oils
Yet another one of the best remedies for pilonidal cyst is with the use of essential oils. For the most part, it helps round with the pain and even the inflammation that comes along with the condition.
If you have been experiencing constant pain and discomfort because of this, the application of the essential oils like tea tree and turmeric oil can help in providing relief.
Both of these have effective anti-inflammatory (R) (R) and antimicrobial (R) (R) properties which help in keeping the risks of the infection in check.
What to do?
- Mix a few drops of either of the essential oils with some castor oil
- Apply it on the cyst with some cotton or even a Q-tip
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
3. Maintain hygiene
When it comes to the pilonidal cyst treatment, the most important thing that you need to focus on is to maintain proper hygiene. This isn’t an accessory but a given.
If you want to prevent the condition from getting worse, it is important that you clean your buttocks and in between them following defecation properly.
Additionally, using disinfectant soaps while showering and cleaning the area is important to prevent the growth of excess bad bacteria which is often one of the primary reasons behind the advent of this condition in the first place.
Often times, the risks of the pilonidal cyst are heightened when there is constant deposition of grime in the folds of your skin. Additionally, you can also prevent the usage of the harsh chemicals down there.
4. Sitz bath
A sitz bath is yet another one of the amazing remedies that work in helping out with the condition of the pilonidal cyst.
It is nothing but a shallow bath you take for cleaning the perineum. If your cyst has been causing constant pain and discomfort, this can help wither down those symptoms effectively.
Opt for the plastic attachments that fit the toilet, those are quite easy to use and come in handy in terms of storage as well.
5. Garlic
Garlic is yet another one of the amazing remedies for getting rid of a pilonidal cyst at home.
The primary reason why this works for the condition is because of the combination of the amazing antimicrobial (R) as well as the beneficial anti-inflammatory (R) properties that it possesses.
It is important that you use fresh garlic as it has better potent impacts on the condition.
What to do?
- Crush 1-2 garlic cloves and make a smooth paste of it
- Apply the paste of the garlic on the affected area
- Cover it with sterile gauge
- Leave it on for a few minutes
How often?
- Once every day
6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another one of the effective remedies for pilonidal cyst that work.
Apart from the fact that the apple cider vinegar is imbibed with beneficial antimicrobial (R) and anti-inflammatory (R) properties, it also helps in drying out the cyst effectively to promote better recovery.
It is considered as an effective drying agent and it has also been found to help round in healing the condition because of the beneficial astringent properties it has.
What to do?
- In a bowl, add 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and a little water to dilute it
- Using a clean cotton pad, dab the solution on the affected area
- Leave it on and let it impose the beneficial impacts
How often?
- Once every day
7. Prevent the ingrown hair
When it comes round to the pilonidal cyst treatment, it is important that you understand what causes it.
If you are prone to ingrown hair, chances are that the same can be a possible reason behind the condition of the cyst.
This is why it is best suggested that you find ways to prevent the advent of the ingrown hair for the best impacts and results. For the most part, it is important that you do focus on the way you shave or wax because that does play a very crucial role in this.
If none of the remedies or the prevention methods are working, consult a dermatologist for the condition.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is yet another one of the effective remedies to cure pilonidal cyst that works.
It is effective in getting the symptoms in control which itself is often one of the most important factors when it comes to the recovery and cure effectively.
The main reason why it works is because of the presence of the active compound in it, ricinoleic acid which imposes beneficial anti-inflammatory (R) as well as the antioxidant properties which promote better recovery like no other.
It helps reduce the inflammation and the pain that accompanies the condition.
What to do?
- Warm some castor oil
- Use a sterile cotton pad and dip it in the castor oil
- Apply the oil directly on the cyst
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is yet another one of the beneficial remedies to get rid of pilonidal cyst that you can use.
Much like the apple cider vinegar, even this one has beneficial anti-inflammatory (R) and healing properties.
It is considered as a drying agent and helps with the recovery of the condition better than you know or understand. The mild astringent properties help with reducing the pain and the irritation that you might have been experiencing.
What to do?
- Dab on some witch hazel onto a cotton pad
- Apply the same on the affected part
- Leave it on
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
10. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is yet another one of the remedies for a pilonidal cyst that imposes amazing benefits in the process of recovery.
Given that the coconut oil is integrated with beneficial anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it helps in managing the inflammation as well as the pain that you have been experiencing because of the condition.
It also imposes antimicrobial properties which further help prevent the induction of infection.
What to do?
- Warm-up some coconut oil
- Apply it on the affected part in between the butt cheeks
- Leave it on
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
11. Black Tea Bag
Black tea bag is yet another one of the beneficial remedies that help to get rid of the pilonidal cyst.
The tannins and the beneficial anti-inflammatory (R) properties help in reducing the risks of the condition. If you have been experiencing sudden pain and the discomfort, the black tea bag can help in improving the condition.
What to do?
- Boil some water
- Add 1-2 teabags to the water
- Let it steep for 10 minutes
- Once that tea has steeped, use the teabag to apply on the affected area
- Leave it on for 5 minutes
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
12. Burdock Root
The dry burdock root is yet another one of the best remedies for pilonidal cyst that works wonders.
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of the condition, it is best suggested that you use the burdock root for this. Not only does it help in drawing out the proteins from the cyst, it also helps in preventing the further spreading of the cyst or even transforming into infection.
What to do?
- Mix 1 tsp of burdock root powder with 1 tsp of honey
- Make a smooth paste
- Apply the paste on the affected area
- Leave it on for 10 minutes
- Wash it off once it has dried
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
How to Prevent Pilonidal Cyst?
The condition of a pilonidal cyst can be prevented if you follow through with the preventive measures.
It is very important to ensure that you follow through them if you don’t want to experience any of it.
Some of the preventive measures include:
- Make sure to maintain proper self hygiene
- Use antiseptic soaps to clean yourself
- Prevent the ingrown hair
The remedies for pilonidal cyst do work to an extent to help manage the symptoms that come along with this condition. But, if you want to get rid of the condition for good, it is important that you do focus on consulting a doctor.
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