You can develop a cyst just about anywhere on your body. A cyst is an enclosed pocket of tissue that forms under your skin, around a foreign object, such as a splinter, or associated with an organ, gland or joint. A cyst can be filled with air, serous body fluids, oil, pus, skin cells or a combination of materials. Most cysts are harmless and many will resolve on their own. Cysts can be unsightly if they occur on your face or other exposed parts of your body. They can be painful if they develop around an oil gland or on top of your ovary. Consult your doctor about using herbs that may be beneficial for different types of cysts.
Boils And Carbuncle Cysts
Your skin has a fine covering of hair. A pus-filled cyst, called a boil or carbuncle, can form under your skin at the site of any hair follicle. They typically form in response to a localized, small bacterial infection that causes pain and irritation. Although more clinical studies are needed, MayoClinic.com says topical application of tea tree oil may be an effective treatment for boils and carbuncle cysts. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, appears to possess some antibacterial properties. Never take tea tree oil internally and use it only as directed by your physician.
Skin Cysts
Skin cysts, also called epidermoid cysts, are composed of a collection of outer skin cells from your epidermis. They are slow-growing and tend to affect your face, neck and trunk. A skin cyst can become irritated and a cream containing witch hazel can be applied topically for relief. The leaves and bark of the witch hazel tree, Hamamelis virginiana, are used to make herbal preparations. Witch hazel has a soothing, astringent action that appears to be beneficial for minor skin irritation. Talk to your health care provider about using witch hazel for irritated skin cysts.
Sebaceous Cysts
A sebaceous cyst is a type of skin cyst that forms around an oil gland and contains oil along with cellular debris. They are slow-growing cysts that tend to form on your face, neck, scalp and back. According to Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," topical use of aloe vera gel may be helpful in resolving a sebaceous cyst. However, clinical studies do not confirm its benefits in treating sebaceous cysts. Get your doctor's advice about the use of aloe vera gel.
Ovarian Cysts
Your ovary is composed of follicles, each containing an egg cell. An ovarian cyst forms in a enlarged follicle that fails to rupture. Consult your doctor about the appropriate treatment for an ovarian cyst, as some require medical treatment. An ovarian cyst can cause considerable discomfort; herbs, such as wild yam and dong quai, may be effective in alleviating cramping and pain. Discuss their use with your physician first, as there are no clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of these herbs for ovarian cysts.
References
- MedlinePlus: Cysts
- MayoClinic.com; Boils and Carbuncles; October 2010
- Herbs 2000: Witch Hazel
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2010
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