how to get rid of a cyst on your face

Here are some ways to help get rid of a cyst on your face:

1. Apply warm compresses. This draws out the infected material in the cyst and helps promote drainage. Do this several times a day for 10-15 minutes. Use a clean washcloth dampened with warm water.
2. Apply over-the-counter (OTC) acne cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. This helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the cyst. Products with 2.5% – 10% benzoyl peroxide work best. Apply twice a day and avoid the eye area.
3. Use an antibacterial face wash daily. Face washes with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur help fight bacteria and keep the pore from becoming blocked again.
4. Take an oral antibiotic. For large cysts or recurring cysts, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic like doxycycline or minocycline to help with the infection.
5. See your dermatologist. For cysts that do not respond to OTC treatments, your dermatologist may choose to lance and drain the cyst. They can also prescribe stronger medications or do a cortisone injection to help reduce inflammation and redness. In some cases, oral isotretinoin (Accutane) may be recommended.
6. Avoid products that can irritate the cyst. This includes heavy makeup, perfumes, astringents, and anything with fragrance. Just stick with gentle, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers while treating the cyst.

What’s the Treatment for Skin Cysts

Here are some common treatments for skin cysts:

1. Draining and removal – For some types of cysts, especially large ones, the best treatment is to drain the cyst and remove the cyst wall. This is usually done by a dermatologist. Draining can relieve symptoms and prevent the cyst from coming back.
2. Antibiotics – Antibiotics can help fight any infection inside the cyst and promote healing. Both topical antibiotics applied directly to the cyst and oral antibiotics can be used.
3. Steroid injections – Injecting a corticosteroid into the cyst can help reduce inflammation, redness, and pain. This is a common treatment for inflamed cysts.
4. Chemical cauterization – The dermatologist may use a chemical cauterizing agent to destroy the tissue lining the cyst. This can help prevent the cyst from returning.
5. Retinoids – Medications like tretinoin (Retin-A) can help unclog pores and prevent cysts from recurring. They promote cell turnover which can help with healing.
6. Laser treatment – In some cases, lasers can be used to destroy the lining of problematic cysts that keep returning. This helps seal the cyst and reduce chances of recurrence.
7. Surgery – For cysts that do not respond to other treatments, surgical excision may be recommended. The entire cyst, including its sac, is cut out to prevent regrowth.

Home remedies like warm compresses and over-the-counter cyst treatments can help initially but for the best results cysts often need medical intervention. See your dermatologist for evaluation and treatment options if home remedies are not effective.

How to shrink a cystic pimple overnight

Here are some ways to try to shrink a cystic pimple overnight:

• Apply heat – Use a warm, wet washcloth or heating pad on the area for about 15-20 minutes. Heat helps dilate blood vessels and promote drainage of pus from the cyst.

• Drain the pimple – If the cystic pimple has a visible head, you can gently try to drain it by squeezing the sides. Press gently to push the material from the center of the pimple outward. Do not squeeze the center to avoid further infection.

• Apply a warm compress – Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water and wring it out. Apply the warm compress to the pimple for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat a few times over the course of the night. This can help draw infection and debris to the surface.

• Apply over-the-counter acne cream – Products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce bacteria, inflammation, and oil that contribute to cystic acne. Apply a pea-sized amount to the pimple before bed.

• Leave it alone – The cystic bump may take several days to go down, so try not to mess with it too much. Picking and squeezing can cause scarring and make the inflammation worse.

• Icing – Wrap an ice cube or chilled spoon in a thin towel and apply it gently to the cyst for about 5 minutes at a time. Short bursts of icing can help reduce swelling and minimize redness temporarily.

Applying these tips overnight can help speed up the healing process, but it often takes time for cystic pimples to fully subside. Be gentle and use acne products as directed. See a dermatologist if the pimple persists for more than a few days. Hopefully these tips help shrink the cystic pimple somewhat until you can get in for an appointment.