How to Prevent and Treat Sebaceous Cysts?

Sebaceous cysts are caused due to sebum supply. These cysts are sacs beneath the skin and are filled with oily, white, semisolid sebum. The sebaceous cysts can become red and cause the affected person a lot of discomfort if the sebum becomes infected. Usually these sebaceous cysts commonly occur on the scalp, labia, scrotum, chest and back; however they can also be found elsewhere on the body.

How Sebaceous Cysts Develop?

Teenagers suffer these most since they undergo a lot of hormonal changes during puberty and this interaction among hormones, sebum, and bacteria can lead to excess production of sebum. When this happens, the excess sebum and dead skins combine to block hair follicles and the result is comedones, commonly referred to as clogged pores by skin care experts. In the case that this substance is released deep into the skin, the result is a sebaceous cyst.

Causes of Sebaceous Cysts

Some forms of acne tend to run in families and if a teenager has parents or older siblings suffering a severe case, he/she stands at a higher risk of developing severe acne.

• This skin disorder is more common in Caucasian Americans than in African Americans or people of Asian descent.
• Causes that can aggravate the acne are use of heavy or inappropriate for skin-type makeup products that clog the hair follicles, menstrual cycles, which makes the female glands more sensitive to the hormone androgen, environmental pollution like air-borne grease in junk food stores and exposure to similar grease-releasing products.
• Rubbing and friction caused by the affected skin coming in contact with infected hair, clothing, or sporting equipment can also lead to sebaceous cysts and their growth.
• Frequently wearing tight collars, hats or even bags over the shoulders can also contribute to the skin disorder of sebaceous cysts as can change in weather, especially a hot and humid day.

Prevention of Sebaceous Cysts

There are no known measures that can prevent the occurrence of sebaceous cysts. However, there are measures one can take to ensure optimum hygiene and health that can help avoid acne, which is one of the precursors to cysts.

• Avoid greasy makeup products and opt for natural ways to cleanse, tone and moisturize.
• A twice-daily face wash ritual using mild cleanser and patting the skin dry is a good beginning.
• Never pick or squeeze a pimple or cyst as it can spread the infection
• Go in for cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic since these products will not clog pores.
• Avoid exposure to the sun, excessive heat or greasy surroundings like fast food restaurants, automobile garages etc.

Treating Sebaceous Cysts:

Most cases do not require treatment for sebaceous cysts, which are usually small and may disappear on their own, or else they can remain in the same place at the same size without causing any problems. Home remedies include face packs and applications of nutmeg, honey, cinnamon, garlic, orange peel and sandalwood to soothe skin and stop excess sebum production, though these are yet to be scientifically proven.