Earlobe Cyst

An earlobe cyst, also known as sebaceous cyst, is a sac like structure which is formed below the surface of the skin on the external ears. They are painful bumps and are similar to pimples. The cysts are pus-filled and grow under the skin. An infected earlobe cyst may be very severe or mild and depending on their severity, there are several remedies available.

What Causes Earlobe Cysts

The exact reason for earlobe cyst is still not known, but it is most commonly found that, when the oil produced by the sebaceous gland, a kind of gland found under the skin surface, is faster than they can be released, cysts may occur. They may also occur due to skin trauma or swollen hair follicles.

Earlobe Cyst Removal

Earlobe cyst treatment involves either surgical method or non-surgical method of removal. If you go for the surgical method, your doctor would numb the area of the cyst with the help of a local anesthetic after which he would use a scalpel so as to open the cyst and would make a single cut at the center of the swelling. Once the incision is made, the doctor would squeeze out the accumulated fluid in the cyst. If the cyst is still intact, he would hold the incision using a pair of blunt scissors and use a pair of forceps to remove the cyst. Once the cyst is removed, the area is disinfected and stitched, if necessary. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics after surgery so that the area does not get infected.

Non-surgical method includes use of warm water or heating pad. Application of heat pad, brings the pus and bacteria close to the surface which makes it easier for removal. If the cyst is on the exterior of the earlobe and can be easily get at, place the heating pad on the cyst. Make sure you use this process for 15 to 20 minutes, twice or thrice every day for a week. A warm washcloth can be used in case the cyst cannot be accessed by a heating pad. Depending on how deep the infection is, this method may take one or two weeks. Since the pus is waxy, an oily kind of fluid would be formed due to the application of heat. This oily fluid would be reabsorbed by the body safely and there would be less chance of blood poisoning.

Another non-surgical method which can be used is the use of turmeric or tea tree oil. Application of these help in drying up fluids in the cyst. For applying tea tree oil, wash the cyst with water and soap and rinse completely. Take a cotton ball and soak it in tea tree oil and hold it for 5 minutes. You can apply this procedure as many times you want till the cyst has dried. For applying turmeric, take a pinch of the powder and add 4-5 drops of water and stir it to make a paste. Apply this mixture on the cyst for 20 minutes once every day till the cyst is no more.

Besides the above mentioned methods, you can use clay masks overnight so that the pus inside is drawn up. You can opt to use any of the clay masks found in any of the drugstores in your area. Before you go to sleep apply a swab of clay on the cyst and let it dry completely before you lie on the pillow. Do this every night till the pus is drawn up to the surface.

Thus, if you get earlobe cyst, there is nothing to worry about. Use the above mentioned home remedies to cure them or if they still don't go away, consult your doctor.