What Is A Cyst: On Face | What Causes Cysts | Cyst Removal

By Patricia | October 13, 2009

Cysts are small lumps that develop just under the skin. Unlike acne, which is caused by oil that is accumulated in the pores, cysts contain a protein known as keratin that blocks the pores. Cysts can vary in size from tiny domes of skin to large lumps. Cysts that develop on the face can be especially distressing, as they tend to look unsightly and cannot be covered by make-up or creams. Cysts can develop in adults and in children and are usually caused by infected hair follicles or any type of trauma to the skin. Facial cysts can be white or yellow in color with a black head in the centre of the swelling. Cysts are generally harmless but that does not mean you should ignore them. If left untreated, oily cysts have a tendency to turn painful or sore or result in swelling and redness of the skin. In rare cases, facial cysts may also turn cancerous.

Causes:

If you suffer from a cyst on your face or are prone to cysts, there are a number of possible reasons why this happens. Causes of facial cysts include:

  • Overactive sebaceous glands that result in blockage of pores
  • Acne may develop into a cyst if not treated properly
  • Inflammation of the skin and other skin rashes can cause a facial cyst
  • Damage to the hair follicle
  • Hormonal changes or an imbalance of hormones
  • Puberty
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Pollutants and chemicals
  • Lack of exercise and obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • In rare cases, recurring facial cysts may be a symptom of a genetic disorder known as Gardner’s Syndrome

Treatment:

As for an answer on how to pop a cyst, the reply is to never, ever try to squeeze a cyst with your bare hands. This will only damage the skin tissue and spread the infection to the surrounding areas of the cyst. If your skin is dark, breaking or popping a cyst can lead to a dark or black patch on the affected area which may not clear up later. Instead, consult with your doctor about other treatment options for facial cysts such as:

  • Antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection that may be causing the cyst
  • Corticosteroid injections in case the size of the cyst increases significantly or there is pain and soreness
  • Removal of the cyst through the incision method that involves making a small cut on the cyst to remove the fluid collected. This helps reduce the size and prevent further swelling. However, there is no guarantee that the cyst will not recur with this type of treatment.
  • Cyst surgery is usually recommended only when the cyst is very large or in case of recurring cysts. Surgery prevents the cyst from developing again though there may be an added complication of facial scarring after the procedure.
  • Laser surgery is the next big thing in the field of cyst removal. Laser treatment reduces the risks of scarring and bruising and assures complete removal of the cyst.
  • Excision is a type of a cyst removal method where the surgeon makes a cut on the cyst to remove the fluid. He then removes the wall of the cyst through the incision and in this way removes the cyst. Scarring is minimal with this procedure though there may be a small wound at the site of the cyst for a while.

Home Remedies:

If the cyst on your face is painless or small in size, it does not require any medical treatment. However, since facial cysts can affect your appearance, you may want to try some simple remedies to remove the cyst. Natural treatments for cyst removal include:

  • Wash the affected area with a solution of salt and warm water. This helps reduce the swelling and prevents the spread of any infection.
  • Boil a tea bag and let it cool. Place the cool tea bag on the cyst with a heating pad on top it. This helps ripen the cyst and encourages it to pop naturally.
  • Apply a few slices of raw peeled potato to the cyst to prevent any soreness and swelling.
  • Place a hot water bottle or a heating pad on the cyst to soften the cyst and help drain the build up of fluid within.
  • Once the cyst has ruptured, rub a cube of ice on the skin to close the pores and prevent further infection.
  • Keep your skin healthy by eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Get a good night’s sleep to ensure that your skin is relaxed and healthy
  • Reduce stress and anxiety by doing yoga or learning some breathing techniques or meditation
  • Wash your make-up off before sleeping using a cleanser and moisturizer
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and keep your skin glowing
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
advertisement
Find Us On Facebook
Copyright © 2024 Mac Millan Interactive Communications, LLC Terms of Use | Sitemap
The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
See additional information. Use of this site is subject to our terms of service and privacy policy.