Earlobe cysts are common bumps or lumps that often develop around or on the earlobe. Cyst on earlobe can be small, hard, or painful, quite similar to a pimple on the skin. Most cysts are harmless and will often require no treatment. Some can, however, be painful or fail to go away. In such cases, an urgent treatment option is required. Here are some of the common causes of the cyst, symptoms, treatment, and how to poop one at home.
Causes of earlobe cyst
The exact cause of the earlobe cyst is unknown. They could form if the oil produced in the glands exceeds the rate at which it gets released. These bumps are not always serious and clear without treatment. Some cysts, however, require medical attention, and that is why a doctor needs to conduct a proper to know the exact cause before any treatment is administered. The common causes of such cysts include;
1. Piercing
It is normal for your body to react to any kind of piercing, and this is accompanied by inflammation, pain, swelling, and redness. This normally for just a week, and then it heals, but if infected, it would take longer for the bump to clear.
2. Cancer
A cancerous bump on the earlobe is hard and won’t go away. Cancer cells can be triggered in any cell in your body, and in case it gets started in your earlobe, the tumor will form there.
Lipomas- these are small soft, fatty bumps that grow under the skin. These bumps are usually harmless and can be left alone, especially if they are small and painless. They are non-cancerous and are as a result of an overgrowth of fat cells.
3. Acne
The cysts on earlobe could occur if you have a history or are currently having acne issues. It could be that your skin is prone to such bumps. This condition is caused by the clogging of hair follicles in the skin. This leads to the occurrence of solid bumps that often grow big and can be painful at times.
4. Sebaceous cysts
These cysts develop around the sebaceous gland. They are small bumps that occur under the skin but are not cancerous and can show up on different parts of the body. They normally grow very slowly and cause no pain. These bumps form when the gland or the passage of the oil becomes blocked or damaged. The reason for the damage or blocking is usually trauma.
6. Epidermoid cyst
Cysts on earlobe can be caused by improper shedding of skin cells. This occurs when cells that should have been shed deeper into your skin multiply and form walls of the cyst, which are filled with keratin.
7. Allergic reaction to some metal
You may develop a bump in your earlobe if you are allergic to the material used for the piercing process. It can also be as a result of the kind of jewelry you wear. Nickel and cobalt are some of the common materials known to bring allergic reactions in piercings. You may feel some pain from this cyst, but it’s not always as a result of an infection, it could be your body’s histamine reaction.
8. Trauma
Some skin injuries that cause cells to react abnormally and bury themselves deeper in the skin may be the reason for a cyst on your earlobe. For instance, having a cut or scratch in earlobe can cause a lump in earlobe as it heals. The trauma can be as a result of insect bite, but the bump is normally temporary. The use of unsterilized equipment for the piercing of ears can lead to such cysts.
Symptoms of earlobe cyst
Earlobe cysts do not cause any troublesome symptoms beyond the effect of their appearance and disgusting contents. The symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the cyst. For instance;
Cysts on the earlobe are characterized by;
- Small round bumps under the skin
- Sometimes you may notice a tiny blackhead plugging the central opening of the cyst
- Redness, swelling, and tenderness on the affected area
- A thick, yellow, and smelly pus oozing from the cyst
- Painful bump to touch
- Hard bumps, filled with keratin that can solidify.
Painful cyst on the earlobe
Most earlobe cysts are not painful and are usually harmless unless they get infected. Some of them may be accompanied by pain, these include;
Abscess- these bumps may develop as a result of an infection of the tissue or cells in the earlobe. It can be painful, and you may feel the warmth when you touch it. When the body tries to fight the bacteria or virus, causing the cyst, it leads to the appearance of pus from the accumulation of dead blood cells.
Otitis media- this is another name for an ear infection. It can either be bacterial or viral, and it is normally accompanied by a painful fluid buildup in the earlobe. The common causes of this condition include;
- Herpes virus infection
- Upper respiratory virus infections such as common cold
Painful cyst on earlobe can easily be treated using antibiotics.
How to pop a cyst on earlobe
Before considering popping your earlobe cyst, you should have in mind that it is risky and can cause infections and scarring. You should have a professional pop, your cyst, and in the best environment to avoid the chances of infection. The following is the procedure on how to pop a cyst safely;
Apply anesthesia- you may need anesthesia in this procedure in order to prevent pain that is associated with this procedure. You may receive local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of our cyst.
Make the incision- after the earlobe is completely numb, your doctor will puncture the cyst using a surgical blade or a needle. This allows the doctor to drain the contents of the cyst and remove the wall of the cyst if necessary. Removing the wall of the cyst helps in preventing the recurring, which is possible.
Soak a clean washcloth in warm water. This helps open up the pores and makes the skin less vulnerable to damage. Your doctor will then put on gloves and cover the fingertips with tissue or cotton buds. The next step is to gently squeeze the perimeter of the spot.
Suture the area if necessary- after the cyst has been drained and the wall gets completely removed, your doctor will suture the incised area. A bandage may wrap the area as well. You will then receive instructions for maintaining the wound. You should also be keen in case of an infection, the symptoms include;
- Redness and tenderness
- Warmth
- Swelling for longer than the normal duration
- Intense throbbing at the wound site
- Pus oozing from the wound
Take antibiotics- your doctor may prescribe the use of antibiotics as part of the follow-up treatment in case your cyst gets infected. The antibiotic dose should be closely followed to avoid the risk of re-infection.
Earlobe cyst treatment
Some of the earlobe cysts may clear without treatment, but if they don’t, or maybe start becoming larger and more painful, you must see a physician. There are several kinds of treatments offered, some to completely cure while others offer temporary relief.
1. Injection
This form of treatment involves injecting the cyst with medicine to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
2. Incision drainage
In this method, the doctor makes a small cut in the cyst and gently squeezes the contents. This is a quick method, but the cyst often recurs after this treatment.
3. Surgery
Your doctor may prescribe a surgical intervention for removing the cyst completely. Your doctor will first administer local anesthesia to help prevent the pain.
- After the anesthesia is administered, your doctor will then perform a single incision in the center of the cyst or an oval incision around the cyst.
- The contents of the cyst will then be squeezed out. A refractor will be used to hold the edges apart as the doctor uses forceps to completely remove the cyst.
- Curettage will be performed, and the remaining tissue will be cauterized- this is done to primarily stop bleeding and prevent any chances of infection on the wound. The stitching will then be done on the wound after the procedure is complete.
- Some antibiotics are prescribed, just in case, the cyst gets infected. The treatment will be just for a week after the intervention.
4. Use antibiotics
You will need to take antibiotics as soon as possible to help fight the infection. You should keenly follow the doctor’s specifications on the drugs. In case it doesn’t clear, or maybe it returns, it ensures that you return for treatment. The most common antibiotics used include; flucloxacillin. Take a 5oo mg pill every 8 hours, for a week, to cure the infection.
Keep it clean- this is important to prevent an infection. You should clean the area around the cyst using an antibacterial soap or cream.
5. Antifungal creams
Antifungal creams have a great effect on the severe and painful earlobe cysts. To treat the cyst, apply the cream directly to the affected area, and cover with a piece of clean cloth or bandage. It not only treats but also reduces inflammation and itching.
Home remedies
An earlobe cyst is not a harmful condition and, in most cases, doesn’t cause any discomfort. That is why most people would rather have the treatment at home naturally that seeking medical attention. Some cysts may grow big, while others could cause pain. It is also appropriate to mention that these remedies deal with cysts that have become infected or inflamed. That is why there are various home remedies for relieving pain and subsiding swelling.
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a well-known antimicrobial agent and has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may be useful in treating and relieving the pain from an infected earlobe cyst.
How to apply it:
- Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil
- Place in on the earlobe cyst for about 5 minutes
- Do it once or twice every day- this helps in drying up the cyst
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2. Chamomile teabag
A chamomile tea bag is a common treatment for skin infections, and it may as well be used to reduce inflammation and promote speedy healing of cyst on the earlobe.
How to use this remedy:
- Place warm chamomile teabag on your cyst for about 5 minutes
- Repeat this procedure a few times in a day
3. Warm compress
Warm compresses are applied to the earlobe cyst to speed up the draining and healing process. The heat from the compressed dilates the blood vessels and thus improves the transportation of nutrients to the affected area. It also improves blood circulation in the area, which in turn washes any toxins that could be causing inflammation.
How to warm compress;
- Soak a clean towel in warm water
- After taking it, wring out the excess water in it
- Apply the warm towel to your cyst for about 10 to 20 minutes
- Repeat this 2 to 4 times daily until the swelling subsides
4. Epsom salt
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which can be absorbed into your skin. This remedy contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation caused by the cyst on the earlobe.
It also facilitates pulling out of toxins, as well as the infectious bacteria causing a cyst on your earlobe. The following is how to apply this remedy;
- Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt in a ½ cup of hot water and stir to dissolve completely
- When the solution cools, bath with the saline, or use cotton to spread the solution on the cyst
- Rinse it off after it dries
- Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day until the earlobe heals
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5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains phenolic compounds that contain antibiotic properties. It also contains magnesium lactate, a compound that helps get rid of excess oil and dirt from the skin.
Its antibacterial properties also help in reducing swelling and clearing pimples, as well as faster healing and rebuilding of the damaged tissue.
How to apply Aloe Vera:
- Extract some aloe Vera gel from the aloe leaf
- Apply the gel directly on your cyst
- Gently rub this into the affected area- it helps it penetrate deep into your cyst
- Repeat this once or twice every day until the cyst clears
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6. Witch hazel
This home remedy contains tannins, a compound required for removal of the extra oils covering the skin and also helps increase blood flow.
Faster blood flow helps heal the infection faster since antibodies are transported to the affected area more effectively.
How to apply it:
- Apply a few drops of witch hazel directly to the earlobe cyst and rub it gently
- Repeat this procedure once every day for a week
7. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps keep your skin healthy by removing bacteria, and it works as a natural astringent. Its antiseptic properties help in preventing infections and bacterial growth.
This remedy has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation, which plays a major role in subsiding the earlobe cysts.
How to apply apple cider vinegar:
- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water
- Soak a cotton ball in the diluted apple cider vinegar, and wring out the excess liquid
- Apply it directly on the affected area and hold with a bandage
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes to help soften the skin and speed up the healing process. Then rinse with water
- Repeat this process 3 times every day until the condition improves
8. Castor oil
Castor oil contains ricin, an effective chemical for fighting bacteria. This oil contains qualities that are effective in reducing itching, inflammation, and bacteria that can lead to earlobe cysts.
This remedy uses a combination of its healing properties with warm compresses, and that is what makes it special;
How to apply it:
- Pour some castor oil on a clean cotton pad and place it on the cyst
- Apply a warm compress to the cyst for 5 to 10 minutes- you can warm compress using a washcloth or a heating pad.
- Repeat this procedure two times every day for a week- it will completely drain the cyst and make it disappear.
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9. Honey
Honey contains natural antiseptic as well as antimicrobial properties that help in fighting bacteria, causing earlobe cyst.
How to use honey;
- Use a cotton ball to apply natural honey directly on the cyst
- Leave it for about 30 minutes
- Rinse off with warm water and then pat dry
- Repeat this procedure 3 times every day until the cyst clears
10. Cucumber juice
Cucumber juice is considered one of the easiest ways to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. This vegetable contains silica, a compound that strengthens the connective tissues in the skin. It also speeds up the healing process of the cyst.
How to use it:
- Cut a chilled cucumber into thick slices and put a slice over the cyst for several minutes
- Do this frequently in a day until the cyst clears
- Alternatively, Drink a glass of cucumber juice every day until the effect is felt in the body
11. Sandalwood paste
Sandalwood paste is a natural remedy to get rid of the earlobe cyst. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing pain and inflammation. It also has the qualities of absorbing heat from a cyst, which is vital for speeding up the healing process.
How to use it;
- Mix sandalwood powder with rose water to prepare a smooth paste
- Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it for a while to dry on the cyst
- After it dries, rinse the cyst with cold water
- Repeat this procedure 3 or 4 times every day –this helps reduce pain and inflammation
12. Use dandelion
Dandelion is a natural herb containing taraxacin, which is a natural antibiotic. This remedy can be used in case medical treatment is not available. The following is the procedure on how to use dandelion to get rid of earlobe cysts;
- Boil a bag on the dandelion dried herb in four cups of water
- Simmer for 45 minutes after boiling
- Drink the tea for 3 to 4 times every day for a week- you will notice a significant improvement.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. It contains antiseptic and good preventative qualities against infections.
How to apply it:
- Prepare a paste of one teaspoon of turmeric powder and rose water on honey- honey is vital since it contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Apply it directly on the affected earlobe three times a day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQD6h3q5HoM&t=97s
References
- Earlobe cyst, causes, pictures, treatment: http://www.healthline.com/health/earlobe-cyst#overview1
- Lump on earlobe: http://healthool.com/lump-in-earlobe/
- Epidermoid cysts, symptoms, causes: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/symptoms-causes/dxc-20324616
- Skin cyst, home treatment: http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/skin-cyst-home-treatment-topic-overview
- Sebaceous cysts, causes, symptoms, home remedies: https://homeremedyshop.com/17-home-remedies-for-sebaceous-cyst/
