What Shrinks Cysts: Treatments and Natural Remedies

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most epidermal inclusion cysts are harmless and can resolve on their own, but others may require treatment. When a cyst becomes bothersome, inflamed, or infected, individuals often seek solutions to shrink them without resorting to invasive procedures. Knowing the differences between various cyst types and their specific treatments is crucial for effective and safe management.

Quick Summary

Several methods, including medical treatments like aspiration and medication, along with natural home remedies such as warm compresses and anti-inflammatory supplements, can help shrink different types of cysts. The appropriate approach depends on the cyst's type, size, and location, as well as whether it is causing symptoms or infection.

Key Points

Warm Compresses: Increase blood flow to skin cysts to promote natural drainage and encourage shrinking.
Medical Aspiration: A fine-needle procedure can drain fluid-filled cysts, but may not prevent recurrence if the cyst wall is not removed.
Anti-Inflammatory Remedies: Diluted tea tree oil, turmeric, and aloe vera can reduce inflammation and support healing for some skin cysts.
Surgical Excision: The most definitive way to remove and shrink cysts by removing the entire sac, minimizing the risk of recurrence.
Hormonal Regulation: For internal cysts like ovarian cysts, birth control pills or other hormonal treatments may prevent new ones from forming.
Professional Diagnosis is Key: Always have a doctor evaluate a new or problematic cyst to determine its type and the best course of action.

Understanding the Different Types of Cysts

Before exploring treatment options, it's important to understand that not all cysts are the same. A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can be filled with air, fluid, or semi-solid material. The location and contents determine the type, which, in turn, dictates the most effective treatment plan. Common types include epidermoid cysts, ovarian cysts, ganglion cysts, and pilonidal cysts. Most are benign, but some may signal an underlying issue or become problematic if infected.

Medical Treatments That Shrink Cysts

For persistent, large, or infected cysts, a healthcare provider will recommend a medical approach. These treatments are often more direct and provide faster results than natural remedies.

Aspiration

One of the most common medical procedures for shrinking cysts, especially on the skin or joints, is aspiration. This process involves using a fine needle to drain the fluid or material from the cyst. While effective for immediate reduction, particularly for fluid-filled sacs like ganglion cysts, it does not remove the cyst wall. For this reason, the cyst can potentially recur, requiring repeat aspiration or further treatment.

Steroid Injections

For inflamed, non-infected cysts, a doctor might inject a corticosteroid medication directly into the site. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which in turn causes the cyst to shrink. Steroid injections are particularly useful for painful, inflamed epidermoid cysts that are difficult to remove surgically until the inflammation subsides.

Medication for Internal Cysts

Certain types of internal cysts, such as ovarian cysts, may respond to medication. Hormonal treatments like birth control pills can help regulate the ovulation cycle and prevent the formation of new functional ovarian cysts. For cysts related to conditions like endometriosis, medications may be used to shrink the lesions over time.

Surgical Removal

In cases where cysts are large, cause significant symptoms, or are suspected of being malignant, surgical removal is the definitive solution.

Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions for removing ovarian cysts.
Laparotomy: An open surgery with a larger incision, typically for very large or potentially cancerous cysts.
Excision: For skin cysts, a minor surgical procedure can remove the entire cyst sac, which helps prevent recurrence.

Natural Remedies and Home Care

For many small, benign cysts, home-based treatments can help reduce their size and alleviate symptoms. It is important to note that these remedies may not be effective for all types of cysts and should not replace professional medical advice for concerning or infected growths.

A list of popular home remedies includes:

Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress several times a day can increase blood circulation to the area, encouraging drainage and faster healing for skin cysts.
Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, diluted tea tree oil can be applied to some skin cysts to help with infection and irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Its antimicrobial properties may help dry out certain skin cysts and prevent infection, though it should always be diluted to avoid skin irritation.
Turmeric Paste: The curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory effects and may aid in the healing process when applied topically as a paste.
Epsom Salt Bath: A warm Epsom salt bath or compress can help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling in sensitive areas where cysts are present.
Aloe Vera: The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of aloe vera gel may provide relief for painful or irritated cysts.

Medical Treatment vs. Natural Remedies for Cysts

Choosing the right approach depends on the cyst's nature. This table provides a quick comparison to help guide your decision-making process.


Feature	Medical Treatments	Natural Remedies
Speed of Effect	Often faster, especially with aspiration or steroid injections.	Slower, with gradual changes over time.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for shrinking and removing various types of cysts.	Variable effectiveness; may help with mild, non-infected cysts but not guaranteed.
Recurrence Risk	Lower with surgical excision (cyst wall removed); higher with aspiration alone.	Possible recurrence since the cyst sac remains intact.
Cost	Can be higher, depending on the procedure and insurance coverage.	Generally lower, using readily available household items or supplements.
Best for	Large, painful, infected, or suspicious cysts, and those causing complications.	Small, non-symptomatic, and non-infected skin cysts.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Adopting certain lifestyle habits can support the body's natural healing process and potentially reduce the risk of cyst formation. For example, managing stress and maintaining a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial. Additionally, staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene can prevent skin cyst flare-ups and infection.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Options for Cyst Reduction

For many, dealing with a cyst is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful experience. The question of what shrinks cysts has no single answer, as the solution depends heavily on the cyst's type, size, and whether it is infected or causing pain. While small, non-symptomatic skin cysts may respond to gentle home care and natural remedies like warm compresses and anti-inflammatory topicals, more persistent or problematic cysts require a medical approach. From aspiration and steroid injections to surgical removal, healthcare providers have a range of effective options. Always consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis before attempting any treatment at home, especially if the cyst is growing, painful, or shows signs of infection. Following expert advice ensures the safest and most effective path to resolution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest method for shrinking a cyst often involves medical intervention, such as aspiration with a fine needle to drain fluid, or a steroid injection to reduce inflammation. For some, a warm compress can also speed up the natural drainage of a superficial skin cyst.

Yes, many small, benign cysts, particularly functional ovarian cysts, can resolve on their own over time. However, some cysts may persist, and in those cases, treatment may be necessary.

No, it is not safe to pop or squeeze a cyst. This can lead to infection, significant inflammation, and scarring. A ruptured cyst can also cause a more severe infection that requires prompt medical treatment.

You should see a doctor if a cyst becomes painful, grows rapidly, shows signs of infection (redness, pus), or ruptures. Additionally, any lump that is unusual or concerning should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

While diet alone is not a cure, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and fiber can support overall health and hormone balance. This may be particularly helpful for managing cysts related to hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with PCOS.

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure filled with fluid or other material, while an abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. While a cyst can become infected and turn into an abscess, they are fundamentally different. Aspiration is more common for cysts, while abscesses often require drainage and antibiotics.

Some herbs and supplements, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in reducing inflammation related to some cysts. However, there is no strong evidence that they can eliminate cysts entirely, and they should be used with caution and medical guidance.