Cystic acne occurs when bacteria infect a blocked oil gland of the skin and white blood cells rush to the site to fight the infection. One of the most unsightly and painful forms of acne, cysts appear as inflamed, pus-filled boils. According to the Acne Resource Center, cysts lie deep within the layers of the skin and are difficult to treat. While people with severe cases of cystic acne should consult with a dermatologist, natural home remedies can ease pain and relieve inflammation.
Figs
Figs have a long history of medicinal use dating back to references in the Bible as infection fighters, according to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of the book "Healing Remedies." Shealy states that figs provide potent healing properties that help to relieve inflammation associated with cystic acne. The stems of fresh figs are antifungal and contain bactericides that inhibit cysts.
You can bring a cyst to a head by splitting a fig, and then heating the fig in a microwave for 20 seconds. Place the warm fig directly on the affected area. Additionally, roasted figs made into a poultice can draw out infection and accelerate healing. Mash up a fig, heat it and apply it to your face for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Cabbage
The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used fresh white cabbage juice to relieve infections. Herbalists currently use cabbage for its valuable anti-inflammatory properties that help draw out infections and soothe weeping skin conditions.
Make a cabbage poultice to disperse pus in cystic acne by chopping up cabbage leaves and pureeing them in a blender. Heat the puree in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, and then apply it to your blemishes for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. You can also tear off whole leaves from a cabbage and heat them in the microwave for 20 seconds. Apply the leaves on your face as a hot compress to draw out infection.
Honey
Honey provides antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing qualities that yield significant results when used for skin problems. The natural sweetener not only works as a valuable skin toner, but also moisturizes and rejuvenates skin. Additionally, it contains antibacterial and antifungal agents that soothe skin tissue. Coupled with the exfoliant benefits of aspirin, the duo relieves redness and swelling associated with cystic acne, according to Grandma's Home Remedies.
Mix a crushed aspirin with water to form a paste. Rub it on your face as a scrub, and then rinse with cold water. Next, dab honey onto your acne boils. Allow it to dry, and then rinse with warm water. Combining 3 tbsp. honey with 1 tsp. cinnamon powder also yields significant results when applied to cystic acne, according to WomanJunction.com.
Toothpaste
White toothpaste yields beneficial results when applied directly to your pimples before bedtime. It tends to act as an anti-inflammatory, inhibiting swelling and redness, according to the Acne Skin Guide. Rubbing ice on your cystic acne also gets the red out.
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