How to Prevent Cysts

If you have experienced those painful bumps underneath your skin that won’t go away, then you would know what sebaceous cysts are. These non-cancerous growths come up due to changes in your hormones, blocked sebaceous glands, increased secretion of sebum, excessive exposure to sun and chemicals, unhealthy facial cleansing regimen, or swollen hair follicles.

Irrespective of their cause, these bumps, called an epidermoid cyst, are filled with pungent-scented, yellow-hued oily and clean liquid. It could appear anywhere on your body, excluding the soles of your feet and palm.

According to a study that appeared on MayoClinic.com, men are more prone to developing these skin bumps than women. Yet another research suggests that people prone to acne have an increased chance of developing these skin outbreaks.

Sebaceous cysts are characterized by the following symptoms

• Soreness of the skin
• Affected area becoming warm
• Redness of the infected area
• A foul smell of the area
• Presence of a non-painful lump under the skin

But the good news is that you could easily prevent them from attacking you. Read on to know more about how you could avoid these pesky skin outbreaks.

Prevent Sebaceous Cysts With These Simple Ways

1. Keep your skin clean

Cleansing the face regularly is essential to eliminate the impurities that clog the pores. However, splashing water alone is not sufficient. Use a soap-free cleanser to ensure that clear the dirt and dust. Cleanse with lukewarm water, and then apply the cleaner. Massage in gentle circular motions and then wash off with warm water. Dab dry.

2. Stay away from cosmetics

Moisturizing your face is essential as dehydrated skin is the fertile land for outbreaks. But ever overdo with the cosmetic products. Use only whatever is necessary for your skin. A good sunscreen that is hydrating is the best one. Opt for natural facial solutions enriched with herbs like neem and mint to keep your skin cool and fresh.

3. Exfoliate regularly

Eliminating the dead cells is essential to prevent the skin pores from clogging. Prepare a mixture of gram flour, powdered neem, yogurt, and turmeric powder and use it to exfoliate your skin. If you are prone to acne and have dry skin, a mixture of sugar with lemon, honey, and coconut oil would be a good scrub.

4. Stay away from staying in the sun for long periods

Excessive exposure to the sun causes skin damages. It promotes the free radicals that cause oxidative damages to the cells. It also clogs the pores, paving the way for acne and sebaceous cysts. Use sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 if you have to continuously stay in the scorching heat for more than 2 hours. Wearing a hat or covering your face with a scarf would also work as a great sun shield.

5. Purify your blood

According to studies, toxins and impurities in the blood cause pesky skin eruptions, as in the case mentioned here. You could always opt for cleansing and purifying your blood regularly by including various herbs or herbal concoctions in your diet. Herbs like garlic, yellow dock, dandelion, neem, and red clover are natural blood purifiers.

6. Consume fatty fish

Ward off the inflammation and ease the oxidative damages experienced by the cells with the help of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish also contain gamma-linolenic acid that cleanses the skin from within and repairs the collagen. It also promotes blood purification, thus preventing and easing cysts.

7. Take care of your digestive system

According to Ayurveda, when your digestive system’s functioning is disrupted, your health is always at stake. Include foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A in your diet to eliminate the free radicals. Include citrus fruits, whole grains, lentils, and dark leafy greens such as spinach and fenugreek leaves in your diet to curb the impacts of free radicals.

Restore, replenish, and rejuvenate your digestive system by including a good dose of probiotics like yogurt. Improve your digestion with herbs like ginger and pepper. Eliminate foods rich in sugar and sodium, fatty foods, aerated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine from your diet to ensure that your digestive system is functioning optimally.

8. Keep yourself hydrated

Dehydration is known to be one of the prime reasons behind cysts. Skin loses its moisture and cracks down from within, triggering skin eruptions like cystic acne. Drink at least eight glasses of water to retain skin moisture. Drinking water also prevents clogging of the pores while promoting detoxification of the blood and liver.

9. Drink Gooseberry juice daily

Damaged, aging skin quite often increases the chances of a person developing cysts under the skin. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the damages are reverted, and the skin cells are kept healthy. Amla or Indian gooseberry is packed with various powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that promote the regeneration and repair of the damaged cells, offering you relief from cysts. Mix 1 tsp of dried Indian gooseberry powder with 1 tsp honey and half a teaspoon black pepper powder. Consume this mixture on an empty stomach for clean and clear skin.

10. Ward off inflammation with turmeric

Skin inflammations quite often arise from various conditions, including unexpected injuries and trauma. An inflamed skin could trigger the formation of cysts. You could now prevent the formation of these cysts with the help of turmeric. The yellow-hued Indian spice contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has the power to inhibit the secretion of leukotrienes, which causes these cysts. Add turmeric powder to your diet every day to prevent these irritating skin bumps.

Alternatively, you can take turmeric powder with hot milk also. Add 1 tsp turmeric powder to one glass of milk. Simmer this concoction for 3 to 4 minutes. Mix one teaspoon black pepper powder and one tablespoon honey to the mixture and drink it twice a day to free yourself from these sebaceous cysts.

FAQs on Sebaceous Cysts

What are causes of cysts?

• Infections
• Inflammation that is chronic
• Genetic factors
• Most of the cysts have no cause that is apparent
• The cysts are caused due to supply of sebum
• This skin disorder is very common among caucasians Americans than in African Americans or people who belong to Asian descent
• Heavy makeup can also clog the pores and cause sebaceous cysts
• Friction and rubbing that is affected by one’s skin coming in contact with hair that is infected, sporting equipment and clothing can cause sebaceous cysts and of course their growth

How cysts are formed?

Usually, teenagers suffer from this cyst as they undergo hormonal changes during puberty. The interaction of sebum, hormones, and bacteria can lead to excessive production of sebum. On account of this, the excess sebum and the dead skin get combined and bloc the follicles. This causes comedones, which are often called clogged pores by experts in the skin field. If this substance gets released into one’s skin, it forms a sebaceous cyst.

How cysts are detected?

Usually, when one goes for a medical check-up or undergoes medical imaging, they perhaps get an x-ray done. Cysts cannot be neglected as they can be malignant. Good hygiene and not getting exposed to infection can help avoid them, although there could be genetic factors also causing them.

Have you ever experienced cysts? How did you manage those from coming back? Please share your views and feedback with us!