A pilonidal cyst is a round pocket in your skin, typically filled with air or fluid. It is a very common condition. Natural treatments can often help heal the cyst, especially if applied before the cyst becomes an infected abscess.

The cyst is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the crease in the buttocks. They are usually caused when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. 

Friction on the ingrown hair from sitting for long hours or wearing tight clothing can cause a cyst to form.

Who Gets Pilonidal Cysts?

Anyone can get a cyst, however some people are at a higher risk for developing them, including:

• People who sit all day long.
• People who are overweight or obese.
• People who wear tight clothing that rubs against their spine.
• Those with thick body hair.
• Men are 3-4 times more likely to develop a cyst. [1]

Natural Treatments for a Pilonidal Cysts

Pilonidal cysts can become infected if not treated properly, turning into an incredibly painful abscess.  

A doctor will typically drain the cyst by making a small incision or removing it surgically.  There are a few home remedies that can help relieve pain and itching from the cyst.

Hot Compress

Apply a hot compress to the cyst a few times a day. The compress can either be from hot water, or a clay pack that you heat up in the microwave. Not only will the heat help ease pain, it can also help pull out any pus from the cyst, thus allowing it to drain.

Sitz Bath

Taking a warm, shallow bath (called a sitz bath) can often help relieve pain and itching from a pilonidal cyst.

Instructions

Fill your bathtub with 3-4 inches of warm water. Make sure it's not too hot to burn or cause discomfort.

Soak for at least 15 minutes, trying to keep your legs out of the bath water. The idea is to have warm water cleansing only the perineum (the space between the rectum and the scrotum or vulva). You can either dangle your legs over the side of the tub, or bend your knees.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a very helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which helps reduce pain and inflammation and can prevent bacteria growth that can make the infection worse and delay healing.

External Instructions

• Mix 2 teaspoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar, raw and organic if possible, in ½ cup of purified water. 
• Soak a cotton ball in the ACV solution and place it directly on the cyst for 1 minute.
• Repeat 4 times daily for 3 days.

Internal Instructions

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of organic and raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm filtered water.
• Stir well and drink slowly.
• You can drink this tonic once in the morning and once in the late afternoon.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the post popular remedies on Earth Clinic for cysts and tumors. Its anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce inflammation and ease the pain from pilonidal cysts.

Instructions

• Soak a cotton ball in slightly warmed castor oil.
• Apply it to the cyst and secure with a bandage.
• Reapply a freshly soaked cotton ball and new bandage 2 or 3 times per day.
• Continue until the cyst heals.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should immediately go to the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after the cyst forms:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Increasing pain when sitting
• Fluid draining from an abscess (blood or pus, which may be foul-smelling)

Summary

Home treatments can frequently relieve the pain and discomfort from a pilonidal cyst.

To prevent cysts from forming again in the future, it is advised to avoid sitting for too long.  Finally, if you are prone to getting these cysts, make sure to keep the area on and above your buttocks clean and free from hair.

Continue reading to learn what Earth Clinic readers suggest to get rid of pilonidal cysts. Oregano oil, a natural antibacterial. is reported to be very effective when combined with coconut oil.