The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Maca
Posted by Lidia (Fullerton, Ca) on 12/06/2011
★★★★★
Throughout my life, I've had several bouts with cystic acne. This last one seem to have lingered quite a while (2 mos) and none of my skin care tricks was working (I'm a lic. esthetician).
I then came to the conclusion that it must be caused by something hormonal rather than an overgrowth of bacteria and clogged pores. I started taking 1 tsp of Maca powder in orange juice and in 5 days my skin had cleared.
I got lazy about taking it (it doesn't have the most pleasant taste so perhaps I was avoiding it) and my skin began to break out again. I started back up on my regimen of Maca powder in orange or apple juice and within 3 days my skin had cleared again.
Honey
Posted by Hannah (Middletown, Ct) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★
Raw natural honey IS the miracle cure for cystic acne! I read about it somewhere, dabbed it on before bed, covered it with a bandaid and in the morning it was much smaller and less painful! Honey is known to be a natural antiseptic with anti-microbial properties. The bandaid isn't necessary, but the honey DOES need to be raw (crystalizes). Honey in the bear bottle doesn't work. I haven't tried cinnamon with it... But I will!
Honey
Posted by Ancilla (Kansas City, Kansas, USA) on 11/14/2012
★★★★★
I just tried this remedy last night. I went out to buy organic, raw honey and applied it before I went to bed directly onto the cyst. The exact same thing as you experienced occured: the pain subsided (! ) and the 'knot' beneath the swelling is gone. That's a signficant amount of healing overnight. I should have used also cinnamon. I will try that asap. Thank you for sharing this awesome remedy! It worked way better than the apple cider vinegar! I just wish I hadn't picked at it earlier yesterday and the night before because now I have a scab that has to heal yet as well. Hopefully it will be gone by one week from today!
I think this raw honey trick works because the honey works as an antibiotic, but the raw honey has, I think, properties that work as a natural steroid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Devra (Jamaica, Ny) on 07/27/2011
Stay away from foods that don't work with you. I suffered with cysts acne for 20 years and had to cut out rice, peas some bean and grains. It is true that apple cider vinigar is a miracle, it balances the oil of the skin and also gives a healthy shine all over.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Linda (Alpharetta, Ga) on 06/19/2011
You might try ACV in form of capsules. You can also make the salad dressing with ACV instead of normal vinegar. Avoid mustard! It increases chances of break outs. Baking soda would be helpful as well, but it does not taste great either.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gadzuchs (Toronto) on 04/09/2015
Thank you Linda! I have recently developed a cyst between my nose and eye. It seems to have gotten worse, even with cider vinegar, and I just realized that I had eaten a lot of mustard in the last week and a half. It never would have occurred to me if you had not posted that. Going to check it out now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rock (Rio) on 07/23/2018
Take it like a man. Cry now, smile later. Youll get used to it.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Littlewing (Boston, Ma) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★
I had the same result years ago when I cut refined sugar out of my diet. I had huge incredibly painful plantar warts on my feet. I gave up sugar to lose weight and realized a few weeks in that the bottom of both feet had completely cleared and the warts never came back.
Vitamin C
Posted by Jacqueline (Cream Ridge, Nj Us) on 05/15/2011
★★★★★
I am 41 and I have had cystic acne for about 11 years now and I have tried everything and could not get rid of it. I read this blog and decided to try the Vitamin C tablets. I take one a day and in about 2 1/2 weeks my face is clear and I haven't had any new breakouts! I am so happy!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Ashley (Boise, Idaho) on 04/14/2011
★★★★★
COFFEE - I've had cystic acne for six years, since I was 20 (when I started drinking coffee in college). I cut out coffee for four months this past year and stopped getting new cysts (or any acne at all) on my chin. Ended up having a mocha this week and the very next day noticed that a huge cyst had developed under the skin on the corner of my chin overnight. It's a small possibility it could be the caffeine, but I am more convinced in my case that it is the coffee. Try cutting it out for a few months and see if it helps before drastically altering your diet, lifestyle, etc. Good luck everyone.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Kea (Austin, Tx, Us) on 06/30/2010
★★★★★
I battle cystic acne in spurts. I went to Arizona for 3 weeks and had no breakouts. I came back to Texas and bam...at least 10 cystic acne bumps in 2 weeks. I realized that these breakouts occur a week before or during my period. I found this website and began trying everything, Vitamin c tablets, turmeric, coconut oil spearmint tea, and even urine therapy. Nothing gave results. The coconut oil seemed to smooth the rest of my skin but did nothing for the cystic acne. I began looking elsewhere and here is what is finally working for me:
When I first feel the cyst tingling I began to ice it (15 seconds on and off), which seems to help it considerably. Then at night I take a dime size amount of unrefined raw (thick) local honey mixed with the same amount of organic cinnamon and make a paste. I put it on my cysts overnight. Day 1 the cysts didn't hurt anymore and swelling decreased by 50 percent and by day 2 it is pretty much gone! All that remains is redness, no knot underneath the skin anymore!!! What a blessing!
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Bryce (Quincy, Il) on 06/06/2011
It really got rid of your cystic acne? It didn't irritate it? I need quick results any tips?
Vitamin C
Posted by Ria (Piscataway, Nj, Usa) on 01/09/2010
★★★★☆
I am 22 and my face recently started breaking out in cystic acne. I stopped using makeup, (MAC Cosmetics & Clinique) increased my water intake, exercised, drank ACV but nothing was working. Yesterday I was browsing around the house and happened to find some of these vitamin c tablets that dissolve in water. That night I did my regular routine (washed with African black soap for a minute) and then took ONE pill. Afterwards I wiped my face with lemon and ACV. I woke up this morning and my bumps have decreased DRAMATICALLY!! I definitely recommend. Today i'm going to buy some Pantothenic Acid Pills and see how they work! Thank you for this advice!!
Oregano Oil
Posted by Alicia (Nyc, Usa) on 08/14/2009
★★★★★
Cysts or cystic acne can be treated with one of these two remedies: oregano oil or apple cider vinegar.
OREGANO OIL
For extremely stubborn cysts: Place enough oregano oil on a cotton ball to cover the surface area of the cyst. (You can also use cotton pads whatever you find works for you) Place the cotton ball on the cyst and secure with a band aid or medical tape. The oregano oil may burn but don't worry this means it is working!
The oregano oil will bring all the fluid to the surface and the cyst will turn from the red or pink color it originally was to a greenish / white puss color. Do not be alarmed the oregano oil is pulling all the impurities to the surface. Soon the cyst will start to drain.
Repeat the cotton ball treatment until the cyst is completely drained. Once it is completely drained cease the cotton ball treatment. Keep the area clean with peroxide and allow it to dry so it can scab over.
While it is scabbed over, keep it clean and help it heal by putting honey on it. Honey can be used in place of petroleum based antibiotic ointments. Honey is a natural antibiotic which will not clog pores, unlike petroleum based antibiotic ointments, and will keep the scab somewhat moist to avoid scarring.
This treatment will take about one week to complete. The cyst will become unsightly, so see if you can arrange to stay home that week or keep it covered with a bandage. It will probable result in scarring but so would any other treatment or lack there of.
After the cyst is gone, wash with a gentle, all natural, non animal fat soap. Use a nickel size portion of olive oil with 2-3 drops oregano oil and 4 drops sea buckthorn oil. Rub together in your hands and spread over skin to prevent cystic acne, cysts, and acne. It will give your skin a yellow tinge so you may choose to use this treatment following night time cleansing only. It will not clog your pores and will aid in healing any scars.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to clear up cysts. I have never tried it in place of the oregano oil in the above treatment but it may work in lieu.
Soak a qtip or cotton ball in apple cider vinegar. Apply to cyst or hold in place for a couple minutes. This is a slower method than the oregano oil but it does not make the cyst look unsightly, it just dries it up gradually.
You can also try apple cider astringent for a daily cleanser.
Let green tea steep in a cup. Measure equal parts green tea and apple cider vinegar and mix. Pour into glass bottle (has to be glass). Use as an astringent and wipe on face with cotton ball after cleansing.
These treatments can be used for cysts, cystic acne, or acne.
Saw Palmetto, Spearmind Tea
Posted by Drea (Sarasota, Florida) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I have been suffering from cystic acne for about 2 years. I went on birth control and that helped, but my skin was very oily, and I was very moody all the time. When I went off it, i developed really bad cystic acne. It was bad one month and then it was better. But it never went away. I came to the site about a year ago and started using many of the remedies but never was consistent to see results. But I was getting very depressed TO see my face the way it was. So I changed my diet, started ACV, cooked only with EVCO. I gave up all caffeine, coffee, started the Paleo diet, drank lots of water. I also started taking some supplements like zinc, omega 3, and evening primose oil. But within a month my face was the worst it had ever been!!! I was so depressed. I was really good about my diet, and I was losing a lot of weight. I didnt know what to do anymore!!! I was just going to stay at home and never go out!
I started doing alot of research, and I stopped taking all the supplements, stopped drinking ACV and I wasnt cooking with any oil, I did continue to follow the Paleo diet. Within a week my face was a little better, so I decided to start taking the Omega 3, and Primrose oil again. Acne was back in a few days. So it was the EFA'S that were giving me this terrible acne!!! It was trial and error, but its true.
I heard about saw palmetto, and I decided to give a try I take 320mg daily. It started working!!! I read that it helps to regulate hormones especially testosterone. I also read about the spearmint tea and gave it a try two cups a day. It works wonderful. I also noticed that my hair on legs wasnt growing as fast!!! I read that it helps with the androgens and with body hair. I feel so happy, my acne is gone, less body hair. I hope this info helps someone, because it has helped me! I still take the ACV it helps with weight loss cook with EVCO and once a week 50mg of zinc, I only use organic makeup and face cleansers! I stay away from sugar, eat lots of veggies and fruit!
Saw Palmetto, Spearmind Tea
Posted by Davy (Seattle, Wash) on 05/22/2011
Cystic acne may be contributed to an increase in the androgen hormone which increases as you get closer to your menstruation. Studies show that the androgen hormones decrease when you drink spearmint or peppermint which contributes to decrease in the androgen. So drink a couple cups of peppermint or spearmint tea is worth trying to decrease hormone cystic acne . I do this as well as use tea tree oil on the cystic acne.
Vitamin C
Posted by Erin (Naperville, IL) on 05/30/2009
★★★★★
I have also found Vitamin C powder to be extremely effective against cystic acne, but you have to start taking it as soon as you feel a bump coming on. I have taken all the flavors, not just the grapefruit, and had success, but I do think the grapefruit tastes the best. I take one fizzy tablet dissolved in water as soon as I feel a painful bump forming and I continue taking one every few hours until it goes away ... usually less than 24 hours. I have been doing this for several years and I swear by it. It's better than any treatment I ever got from my dermatologist!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Charlotte (Dfw, Tx) on 07/28/2013
That is untrue about bacteria being unable to feed on honey because of the size of the molecules. When you eat honey, the molecules are broken down by your own body's processes into 2 smaller molecules which are regular forms of sugar (which bacteria *can* feed on).
What you're talking about would only be true if you were using the honey externally, like on your face or a wound, but internally, your body will break up the molecule.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christa (Huntsville, Tx) on 12/19/2011
Sandra, thanks for the regimen breakdown. It helped alot. Had to find a stronger mixer than just water, but once I did, me and the ACV became friends. So happy to have found this site! Thx again!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ann (NY, NY) on 04/11/2009
Hi Ann in Seattle. I too have been having issues with cystic acne in my chin. How did you apply the ACV and did you rinse it off? thanks in advance for your reply.
Turmeric
Posted by J (Redlands, California USA) on 08/22/2008
★★★★★
About a month ago i came across this site. for the last 25 years i have had cystic acne probably genitic...I also suffered from boils around the nose. possibly MRSA or a staph infection! Anyways i read the forum and decided to apply some of the treatments. I first tried turmeric capsules and most recently turmeric powder with milk. I think the simple powder with milk is more effective...I also mixed a few drops of tea tree oil in vaseline and applied it to my nostrils with a cotton swab. At this point i still get the acne but the inflammation that goes along with the acne...has been reduced dramaticaly...thank you so much for providing this information!!!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Paul (Davis, Ca) on 09/17/2009
I definitely agree about the corn oil. But I discovered this most dramatically consuming a variety of corn chip that used corn oil. I too was disappointed to find that popcorn was a culprit. I love corn so much, I'm still willing to hope that tortilla's or fresh corn might not be a problem. Has anybody who has found corn oil aggravates acne had the same experience with fresh corn or corn flour tortillas?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Steve (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) on 04/04/2011
I suspect I am just like Kelly. For some time now, several years in fact, I have tried to be scientific and tightly control what I eat. What I now suspect is that if I eat 'corn' some time later, e. g. 10 hours or more, I have a 'cystic' reaction and if I do not eat 'corn' I do not have a reaction.
A major problem is that it is very difficult to definitely say 'corn' is the problem since its presence is pervasive and it is hard to always remember what I have eaten.
An example of food that I think cause a reaction: McDonald's hashbrowns which, surprise, surprise, contains corn and may even be cooked in corn oil. I suspect it is not the oil, per se, thought I do not know.
If anyone is interested I can list what seems fine.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anonymous (Bethelhem, PA) on 09/15/2007
★★★★★
For years I've suffered from moderate acne and just recently started getting cysts again after a few years without. I couldn't figure out why. I tried a lot of different solutions,nothing worked. I came upon this site a few months back and have had so much success with all my inquiries. TEA TREE OIL... Thank you to whom ever suggested that, my cyst was a quarter of the original size within 2 hours. By the next day completely dried out. Just be sure to use a small dab, to prevent over drying. It's very powerful. I've also started drinking a large glass of carrot juice everyday and cut out dairy, not sure if about results yet since it's only been 4 days.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Mcneillmama3 (Asheboro, Nc) on 01/10/2010
I too have been battling acne cysts and boils for the past 9 years, since I started going through menopause.
Last week I thought I would try some OTC exfoliator because it was on sale. BIG mistake. The next day I had 7 new, very painful acne cysts. I went right back to the paste I concocted of Turmeric, colloidal oatmeal, sea salt, a little warm water, and a few drops of tea tree oil. I have been applying that paste, letting it dry, and then washing it off with Tea Tree Oil soap and they cysts have about self peeled after about three days. I have also started taking a turmeric capsule by mouth every day as well.'
Does anyone know how to make a paste out of turmeric, colloidal oatmeal and milk to get rid of menopausal peach fuzz. The tiny hairs on my face are the culprits for the cysts and blemishes. I believe if I could get rid of the hair, I could elminate the bacteria that are trapped around the hair follicles.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Tj (Bull City, Nc) on 10/29/2010
You are right. The glands at the base of the hair produce sebum, thus acne sometimes. A remedy that is not only great for menopause but also cystic acne is Spearmint leaf tea. It lowers testoserone naturally. When you go through menopause, the estrogen that normally keeps testosterone in check is lowered. Try it. 2-5 cups a day, I use organic leaf. It will help manage the hair and likely help some of your other syptoms. Plus its safe and delicious.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anapanda (Mysecret, Kentucky, United States) on 05/05/2011
I tried tea tree oil, and it was an awful experience. I applied it on the area (my inner thighs) with just a small dot of the oil, and it caused large red welts to appear just a few hours later. I'm not allergic to it, so that wasn't the cause, and I'm not sure what was.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Aya (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/08/2010
I am suffering from the same things you have mentioned in this post. I started to form cystic acne after traveling and my bowel movements became irregular. I have been like this for the past 4 months now. Did your gassiness issue go away as well? What did you do to become "regular"?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elle (College Park, Ga) on 08/22/2011
Hi Aya, Wow, its so interesting that you said you experienced cystic acne when you began traveling because that was my experience too. I had to go over seas for my job in feb/mar of 09 and since then Ive battled cystic ance. Ive tried everything from all the stuff (antibiotics, duac, acanya, steroid injections, etc) a dermatologist prescribes and holistic methods as well. But I wonder if there's more to this traveling commonality.... Did you travel overseas by chance?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leilani (Boston, Ma) on 12/10/2011
Elle and Aya!! I have had cystic acne since puberty... Its been getting better (im now 21) but still comes around every week or every other week.. And when it hits it hits hard and everywhere :( I have been traveling with my parents overseas since I was pretty much able to walk.... Hawaii, new zealand, australia, europe, carribean islands, I live on marthas vineyard.. Which I guess is overseas.. Mexico and costa rica too! My younger sister has PERFECT skin... Maybe an occasional whitehead... Me, being older have traveled more than her and to certain countries she's never been! I will try googling different search terms that correlate with foreign countries and cystic acne.. Maybe its a bacteria/skin disease one can literally catch from the water out there that the natives are immune to! Who knows... But this is fascinating.... I take ACV internally on occasion, but am going to use it as a toner RIGHT NOW! Thank you all! And also... Does anyone have any good alternatives to A____ tablets? ones without artificial sweeteners? I also have bad constipation... The best thing for me (because laxatives are terrible for you) are stool softeners... Docusate sodium (dulcolax makes the most effective ones) I eat oatmeal every day and occasionally use the leftover on my face! Great for drying up whiteheads and helping draw up the cysts. Maybe ill mix some ACV with plain yogurt and oatmeal! SO GLAD I found this site! I'll be posting more of my remedies while using ones I find here as well!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tappr8 (New York, Ny) on 08/31/2012
Both of those things happened to me after traveling to Costa Rica... I wonder if they're related at all?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dr J (Dallas, Tx) on 04/20/2013
Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial, however I would not recommend taking it straight. It is too acidic and can harm the enamel on your teeth. Be sure to take it diluted.
Turmeric
Posted by Julia (Lac du Flambeau, WI) on 06/21/2007
★★★★★
I have suffered off and on for several years with cystic acne, mostly tried antibiotics, products with salycic acid, my son who now 15 also gets the same type of acne as my sister and even my mother did. she used to get cortisone shots injected in the 70's. I got on internet last night and saw massive responses to turmeric, and ran out to store and drank my first glass, which was disgusting. Hold your nose, chug it down, and chase with juice or pop. I put neosporin on the 3 on my face, and this morning swelling is down by 50%, and pain is gone. the disgusting taste is worth it trust me. I am amazed that something this inexpensive works so well, do doctors know? they must, but don't get money for advising patients to use something that only costs a couple dollars at a grocery store. My son is going to try today.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Posted by kristen (E-town, oregon) on 05/30/2007
★★★★★
Red rasberry leaf taken internally is absolutely healing. It will take away the cystic acne. choline & inositol work as well and will help the body rid of heavy toxic oils. Also stay away from fried foods and animal fats. Rostoplasty website has some amazing russian salves. Though pricey they heal cystic acne scars after a good baking soda scrub. So does Camellia Oil (oil of green tea leafs). This is a secret Japanese beaty treatment. My cystic acne is cured. Red rasberry did this for me. I got cystic acne @ 24 after my second child. Please give it a try.
Urine Therapy
Posted by Starofafrika (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/06/2011
My mama said that when I was a baby she used to wipe my face with my urine because women from an older generation said that this would make your skin pretty.
I just developed a case of stubborn cystic acne over the past couple of weeks. I have gotten it subside greatly but not completely. I will try this first thing in the morning.
Thanks for the tip. I will be sure to let my mama know that this wasn't just an old wives tale.
