Possible Causes and Treatments of an Earlobe Cyst
While there are a number of possibilities for an earlobe cyst, the most common is the result of sebum production. Sebum is a mixture of oil and a medium thick fluid that the sebaceous glands in the body product. In normal cases, this oil is needed by the body for different functions but when the oil becomes trapped in pores, it develops. At that, a cyst can form due to trapped pus or gas. However, another possible cause is from an insect bite such as those from mosquitoes.
In most cases, a cyst of this type is nothing more than an annoyance. These cysts are completely benign, meaning they are not cancerous and unless cysts become uncomfortable or even painful, they will eventually go away. In fact, doctors will tell people not to pick, poke, or prod cysts, which could ultimately lead to infection. Instead, it is best to leave them alone and allow nature to takes its course.
After an earlobe cyst has first formed or if it is not severe, several home remedies could be considered. Since there is no health risk involved, treatment at home is no big deal. However, it is important to know when this type of cyst should and should not be treated at home. For this, the individual could simply apply slight pressure to the cyst itself and as long as there is no pain, then medical intervention by a doctor would be required. On the other hand, if the person feels discomfort or pain, it means the cyst is filled with puss or gas and therefore, home treatment would be effective and safe.
One home remedy for a cyst is to use a warm washcloth, applying it directly to the ear and holding it for about 15 minutes. If needed, the washcloth could be warmed up several times during this period. While the goal is to get the cloth as warm as possible, people want to be careful that it is not so hot it causes a burn. This hot compress should be applied three to four times a day, which would help the cyst to open and the pus or gas to escape.
Another remedy for home treatment of an earlobe cyst is to dip a cotton ball in natural tea tree oil. Just as with the warm washcloth, the cotton ball would be applied and held in pace on top of the area where the cyst is located, leaving it there for five to ten minutes. This natural substance has been used for hundreds of years for treating a variety of health issues, proving to be very successful in drying the pus up.
A paste made of ground turmeric powder and a drop or two of water is also beneficial for treating an earlobe cyst at home. For this, the paste needs to be thick enough to apply to the area. Then, the paste would be left in place for 20 to 25 minutes, after which time the ear would be rinsed. This remedy should be used once a day until the cyst disappears or opens.
As mentioned, at any time an earlobe cyst is not uncomfortable or painful, it means the inside is not filled with pus or gas but possible tissue that could be malignant. Because there is more risk, it would be important to schedule an appointment with the doctor at which time a small biopsy would likely be performed. If needed, the cyst would be surgically removed but if it is benign, the doctor could remove it for cosmetic purposes or simply leave it alone.