Skin Cyst: Home Treatment

A skin (epidermal) cyst is a small, round lump in the top layer of skin called the epidermis. It may be filled with a soft, yellow substance called keratin. Skin cysts most often form on the face, neck, back, chest, or genitals. But they can form anywhere on the body.

When you have a skin cyst, the lump under the skin is:

• Small, round, and smooth.
• About the size of a pea but could be a little smaller or larger.
• Yellow, white, or skin-colored. It can turn red if it becomes inflamed.
• Painless. But it can be painful if it's inflamed.

Home treatment for a skin (epidermal) cyst may relieve symptoms but may not make the cyst go away.

• Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or open the cyst. Doing these things can irritate or inflame the cyst, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause bleeding.
• Keep the area clean with soap and water.
• Apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low 3 or 4 times a day to help the cyst heal. Keep a cloth between the heat source and your skin.
• Apply a bandage. If the cyst begins to drain pus, apply a bandage to absorb the pus. Change the bandage every day. If a large amount of pus drains from the cyst, or the cyst becomes more red or painful, you may need to see a doctor.