
Do you have a sebaceous cyst or fat lumps and want to remove it as soon as possible? Sebaceous cysts are bumps that form under the skin, are covered by it, move easily, are painless and usually contain accumulated sebum inside. Normally, they are small in size and disappear on their own after a while, however, if they become excessively inflamed or infected, they may require their drainage through a simple surgical intervention. If you have a cyst of this type, it is unsightly and you want to accelerate its disappearance, pay attention to this oneHOWTO article in which we explain what are the best methods and natural remedies for remove a sebaceous cyst without surgery.
What is a sebaceous cyst and why does it occur
A sebaceous cyst or fat lump is a kind of bag that forms under the skin and that inside contains a liquid or semi-solid, viscous and fatty substance (sebum), which is rich in keratin, which is the protein that is found in the most superficial part of the skin, hair or nails.
These types of cysts usually occur when sebum, which is the substance that naturally protects the skin, blocks the sebaceous gland or hair follicles. In addition to this, they can also appear due to skin lesions or genetic factors. They tend to appear more frequently on the face, neck, trunk, behind the ears, in the scrotum, and in women, also on the external genitalia. Next, we list what they are the characteristics and symptoms of a sebaceous cyst so you can easily identify it:
- Small round bump that is firm and easy to move with your fingers.
- They can be flesh-colored, although in some cases they have a white or yellowish coloration.
- They may have an opening or center point.
- Its size can vary from a few millimeters to approximately 5 cm in diameter.
- It is painless.
- They grow slowly.
However, when a sebaceous cyst becomes infected or inflamed, may also cause the following symptom:
- Enlarged cyst
- Reddened skin
- Pain.
- Sensitive skin.
- Very hot skin in the affected area.
- A foul-smelling grayish white substance comes out of the cyst.

When to see a doctor for a sebaceous cyst
In general, sebaceous cysts are not dangerous or a serious health problem. On many occasions, these bumps disappear by themselves or by applying moist heat on them to facilitate their drainage, as we will see in the next section on how to remove a sebaceous cyst at home. Now, in the event that the cyst shows signs of infection or symptoms such as the following are observed it will be necessary go to the doctor to undergo the appropriate treatment:
- The cyst grows quickly.
- It drains a lot.
- Causes pain.
- He is very irritated.
- You have a fever.
When the sebaceous cyst is large, causes pain, is very inflamed or infected, the treatment that is required is the surgical removal. In this case, the treatment may vary depending on the duration of the infection:
- In an initial state of infection, the specialist usually prescribes the taking of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications.
- When the infection has advanced and a significant amount of purulent material is found inside the cyst, it will be necessary to make a small incision around it for total drainage and to eliminate it completely. This can also be combined with an analgesic and antibiotic treatment. It is important to remove all of the keratinous fluid and the sac that contains it so that it does not reproduce again. It is a simple intervention of short duration (between 15 and 30 minutes) that does not require hospital admission.
How to remove a sebaceous cyst at home without surgery
If you have a small sebaceous cyst that does not show signs of infection and you want to speed up its disappearance and healing, you can carry out the measures or natural treatments that we show below. They will promote its drainage, reduce its inflammation and provide you with great relief. Take note of which are the most effective natural remedies to remove a sebaceous cyst without surgery:
Application of warm compresses
One of the best ways to remove a sebaceous cyst naturally is by applying warm compresses to the affected area. This will facilitate the breakdown of the skin and the subsequent drainage of the cyst, eliminating all the liquid that it contains inside. In addition, it will also deflate the area and improve blood circulation. To do it correctly, follow these steps:
- Clean the area where the cyst is located with a little water and mild soap. Do it carefully and gently.
- Apply a compress moistened with warm water on the cyst and leave it to act for about 15 to 20 minutes. When the compress has cooled, re-moisten it.
- Repeat this treatment 3 or 4 times a day to heal the sebaceous cyst more quickly.
- In the event that pus begins to leak out of the cyst, place a clean bandage over the area to prevent infection.
aloe vera
Aloe vera is another of the best home remedies for sebaceous cysts, as it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, so it can be of great help to reduce swelling and fight bacterial infections. In addition to this, it is a great natural regenerator that accelerates skin healing and wound healing. Use it in the following way:
- Apply a little aloe vera gel on the cyst and gently massage the area with your fingers.
- Allow the skin to absorb it completely and the aloe to dry on its own.
- Repeat the treatment about 3 times a day for best results.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a product with antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it can help heal sebaceous cysts faster and prevent infections that can make it worse.
- Dilute about 4 drops of tea tree oil in 1/2 cup of water and stir.
- Using a clean gauze pad, apply the diluted tea tree oil to the affected area and allow it to dry on its own.
- Repeat the treatment about 2 times a day.
Apple vinager
You can also treat a sebaceous cyst at home with the help of apple cider vinegar. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties are excellent for removing excess oil on the skin and preventing possible infections. It is also anti-inflammatory and reduces discomfort.
- Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts.
- Dip a clean gauze pad in the mixture and place it over the fat cyst.
- Let it work for 15-20 minutes.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel water stands out for its astringent properties that reduce excess sebum and deeply cleanses the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps improve blood circulation in the area affected by the cyst. If you want to use it to remove a sebaceous cyst without surgery, apply it as follows:
- Soak a clean gauze in witch hazel.
- Place the gauze over the bump for about 10 minutes.
- Repeat the treatment 3 or 4 times a day.

How to prevent sebaceous cysts
There are a series of habits and measures that you can adopt in your daily life to try, as far as possible, of prevent the appearance of sebaceous cysts:
- Live a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy and balanced diet, try to get enough rest and reduce stress to maintain a strong immune system. In the following article, you can learn in detail about How to strengthen the immune system naturally.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun and always use sun protection. This must be oil-free.
- Take care of your skin daily by hydrating it with suitable moisturizers and exfoliate it frequently to avoid the accumulation of dead cells and ensure that the layers of the skin are continuously regenerated.
- Avoid using cosmetic products with oils.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to remove a sebaceous cyst without surgery – very effective remedies, we recommend that you enter our category of Diseases and side effects.