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Iodine for Cysts: Natural Remedy and Benefits

| Modified on Jan 06, 2025
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Iodine is a well-known antiseptic and essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in thyroid function. Beyond its traditional uses, iodine has gained popularity on Earth Clinic as a natural remedy for treating cysts, including sebaceous cysts. This article explores how iodine can help shrink and heal cysts, promoting natural recovery without the need for invasive procedures.

How Iodine Works for Cysts

Iodine is known for its antiseptic properties, making it effective in preventing infections. When applied topically, iodine can penetrate the skin and help break down cyst material, promoting the drainage and shrinking of the cyst. Its ability to regulate thyroid function and balance hormones can also prevent cyst formation, particularly in cases where hormonal imbalances are a contributing factor.

Benefits of Using Iodine for Cysts

Using iodine as a natural remedy for cysts offers several benefits:

Antimicrobial Properties: Iodine’s antimicrobial action helps prevent infections in cysts, particularly those that are prone to becoming inflamed or infected.

Promotes Healing: By breaking down the cyst material and promoting drainage, iodine can help the body naturally heal and reduce the size of the cyst over time.

Regulates Hormones: Iodine supports thyroid function, which plays a key role in regulating hormones. Balanced hormones can help prevent the formation of certain types of cysts, such as ovarian cysts.

How to Use Iodine for Cysts

There are several ways to use iodine as a remedy for cysts:

  • Topical Application: Apply a few drops of Lugol’s iodine or another iodine solution directly to the cyst using a Q-tip. Gently rub the iodine into the cyst and cover it with a bandage if needed. Repeat this process daily until the cyst begins to shrink and heal.
  • Iodine and DMSO Combination: For enhanced absorption, mix iodine with DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) in a 50/50 ratio. DMSO helps iodine penetrate the skin more effectively, reaching deeper into the cyst. Apply the mixture to the cyst twice a day and monitor progress.
  • Iodine Supplementation: If you suspect that a thyroid imbalance is contributing to cyst formation, consider taking iodine supplements as directed by a healthcare provider. This can help balance hormone levels and reduce the likelihood of developing new cysts.

Precautions and Considerations

While iodine is generally safe for most people, it’s important to consider the following precautions when using it to treat cysts:

  • Skin Sensitivity: Iodine can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially if used in high concentrations or applied for extended periods. Always perform a patch test before using iodine extensively on the skin.
  • Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the cyst is large, painful, or shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus, consult a healthcare provider before relying solely on iodine or any other home remedy.
  • Avoid Overuse: Prolonged or excessive use of iodine, particularly in supplement form, can lead to thyroid imbalances or skin irritation. Use iodine as directed and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.

Conclusion

Iodine offers a powerful and natural remedy for managing cysts, with its antiseptic, healing, and hormone-regulating properties. Whether applied topically or combined with other treatments like DMSO, iodine can effectively shrink and heal cysts over time. However, it’s important to use iodine carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if the cyst does not improve or if complications arise.

Have you tried iodine for cysts? Share your experiences and read feedback from 9 Earth Clinic readers below who have found relief with this natural remedy!

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.
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13 User Reviews

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Posted by Carolyn (Lexington NC) on 02/13/2024
 ★★★★★

I had a sebaceous cyst that had never gone away from several years ago. It suddenly got red, painful and the size of a pecan. I put one application of bacitracin ointment til I could search earth clinic for recommendations. I used a heat sauna, then applied tincture of iodine to entire area at bedtime. The next morning, it was 60% smaller, less painful and red. Thank you Earth Clinic. I just knew I was going to be on antibiotics and need to have it lanced. Will see what happens and supplement with oral iodine.

Replied by judith
(USA)
02/14/2024

Sebaceous cyst - my Tibetan Terrier has many of these - 2 in particular are size of pea and small grape. The pea-sized one periodically comes to a head and with minimal pressure will squirt out lots of thick white stuff until it seems to be gone and then a bit of blood. Most recently when this happened, I read on EC to give turmeric twice a day (he's 25 pounds so I did 1/4 tsp 2xd) and many were seeing very good results. Well, I gave it for 10 days and though the area did seem flatter overall and it wasn't infected at all, now it is beginning to fill again. This has been going on for 7-10 years. Both of these are in areas on his back and back of neck that he cannot get to. Thank God. One on his outer thigh that he messed around with required emergency surgery last summer. I'm wondering if it would be ok to put lugol's 5% on topically? Any thoughts here? Art? Thank you and God bless you all!

Art
(California)
02/14/2024
2370 posts

Hi Judith,

You may find the following video useful :

https://youtu.be/DHLGWbMIap8?si=WU9LExvldjg3A2bO

Art

Replied by Carolyn
(Lexington, NC)
02/20/2024
★★★★★

Update on progress of treating sebaceous cyst with tincture of iodine. This is the quickest turn around time for the cyst to shrink, open, drain and the skin to return to normal color and texture. I added bacitracin ointment once a day covered with dressing. Used hot soaks 2-3 times per day. I added Mary Ruth's iodine drops 2 drops by mouth per day and 3 drops of chlorine dioxide in one liter of water daily for 3 days. This worked for me.

Iodine
Posted by Lynn (Maryland) on 11/10/2022
 ★★★★★

I have had thyroid cysts for years. One had grown bigger and bigger. I did Lugol's one drop in cup of water once a week. Believe it or not it has shrunk half the size my endocrinologist says.

Iodine
Posted by Betty (CA) on 01/06/2022
 ★★★★★

I take kelp every day in supplement form.

Recently did a detox per Dr. Hulda Clark protocol and developed a cyst on my back. I was surprised. Never had a cyst in my life until the detox. I used 10% Iodine solution 5-6 times per day on it. The cyst is now flat after 2 1/2 weeks and not inflamed with infection/bacteria/whatever was in it. I am still using the iodine on it. It takes a bit to get rid of it.

Replied by debbie
(West Bend, WI)
12/10/2024

Can you put lugol's iodine in your nostrils for cysts or some kind of bump. If so where can I get and at what strength and should it be diluted? I'm assuming you should not put DMSO ins your nose. Thank you!

Ellie
(Florida)
12/10/2024

Hi Debbie,

Regarding your post about iodine. I know for sure Dr. Berg suggested providone iodine for sinus infections. I do it every time I feel I'm getting sick. You saturate on cottonball and put in your nose ( over the sink when inserting as it will stain) for a couple of minutes. And I also remembered that when I was being fitted up for surgery, I was heavily nasal swabbed with this. Known as Betadine over the counter. Hope this helps.

Debbie
(West Bend, WI)
12/10/2024

Thank you so much!

Iodine
Posted by Katherine (California) on 10/11/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Dr. David Brownstein of Bloomfield Michigan said that ALL CYSTS are caused by low iodine. I had a ganglion cyst on my finger for several years that would get very sore and large. I had three on my knee cap and had breast cysts. Surgery was the only option I covered each cyst area with the iodine tincture from the drug store and in about three days they were gone! I then started supplementing with Lugols 5% iodine at 2 drops a day. No more cysts. Dr. Brownstein gives the iodine loading test to check iodine levels. He says 90% of patients are deficient! Dr. Brownstein says the prostate, being a gland, is affected by iodine too!

Iodine
Posted by Nothy (Hamilton, On) on 09/16/2021
 ★★★★★

I applied iodine tincture to my 8 mm complicated sebaceous cyst daily and that, with a kelp tablet every three days, shrunk it considerably. It is now barely there, and I will continue to put iodine on it nightly for two weeks after it is all gone. I used a q-tip and painted the bump with iodine. I found after about two weeks, part of it popped and I cleaned and applied iodine then. It has been about a month now and it seems to have shrunk more than anything, to a flattened barely there cyst. I will keep applying the iodine and taking the kelp tablets for a few more weeks.

Replied by Nothy
(Hamilton, Ontario)
09/26/2021
★★★★★

All of my sebaceous cysts (diagnosed via ultrasound as 8 mm in size) seems to be completely gone. I am cautiously optimistic that it is gone for good, but I will keep an eye on it for a few weeks. I am not doing the iodine on it since it is no longer there. It has taken about 6 weeks of nearly daily application to the cyst. At times, the cyst would burst but generally, it seemed to shrink.

I would clean it with antiseptic and cover it when it burst. I also found that the skin on the cyst seemed to be rougher at times, and then would peel off with time. The iodine would irritate my skin, mostly making it red and when it got to be too much I would stop for a day or two. Also applying the iodine would at times make it itchy or cause it to sting and then at other times, would have no effect at all. I am going to keep taking the Kelp tablets for another two weeks (one tablet every three days). I used Nature's Way 600 mg of Kelp for this.

Kim
(Tx)
12/29/2022

Thank you so much for keeping us posted with the updates, so happy to know that you healed yourself!

Replied by Nothy
(Ontario)
01/12/2022
★★★★★

update - January 2022

The cyst is really all but completely gone. I forgot all about it and then noticed a small bump a week ago. I squeezed and have been taking kelp again almost daily. I am also putting iodine on it. Hopefully this is the last of it.

Replied by Nothy
(Hamilton, Ontario)
07/12/2022
★★★★★

Another update: It has been a year and there is no visible sign of the 8mm sebaceous cyst on my neck. I do from time to time feel a small bump and I squeeze it and the white fluid sometimes comes out. It is largely gone but I get the feeling it is something I will have to deal with two or three times a year. And I will do it with kelp supplements for a week and some iodine put on the spot. All-in-all, I am very happy with this remedy as I avoided surgery and saved myself $500.

Iodine
Posted by Katherine (California) on 07/24/2021
 ★★★★★

If it is definitely a cyst, paint it with iodine…Drug store kind is fine. Do it for several days and it will be gone! Dr David Brownstein says that all cysts are caused by low iodine.

Replied by Cfitz
(Georgia)
07/31/2021

I've got large, 2" fatty (Baker's) cyst behind my knee. I think, maybe, that this thread applies, because I did the skin test - painting iodine tincture on the skin - 24 hour check. My patch disappeared completely in less than 6 hours. We'll see. Just got my Lugol's in the mail yesterday, and took first dose this morning. Don't remember how long it takes to see a difference in my energy levels.

Replied by peter
(chicago)
08/01/2021

What kind of iodine did you use?

painting iodine tincture on the skin - 24 hour check. My patch disappeared completely in less than 6 hours

Replied by CFitz
(Georgia)
08/03/2021

Over the counter (OTC) iodine tincture used for scrapes, etc.

Iodine
Posted by Charles D. (Burlington) on 11/20/2020
 ★★★★★

Norwegian Kelp will make almost all cysts disappear in a short period of time. I first heard it from a woman that had breast cysts being drained often. A nurse told her her mother cured them taking kelp. I had a cyst on my shoulder 5x7 cm. I had tried edible clay and then castor oil but it continued to grow. I started taking Now Brand Kelp and by the time I was finished the second bottle it was completely gone.

Take 2 caplets twice a day.

Iodine
Posted by Charles (Burlington, Ontario, Canada) on 10/10/2016
 ★★★★★

I had a large cyst come up on my shoulder in a year it had grown to 5 by 7 centimeters. I tried the Red Desert Clay and later the Castor Oil treatments with no success. Then a friend told me that his wife had a problem with breast cysts that the doctor kept draining. When she was in for a mammogram she discussed it with the nurse. The nurse said my mother used to drain them by taking Kelp. She now takes Norweign Kelp and has not had a cyst since. My friend had one on his leg and kelp took it away. I took it and my cyst is now gone completely in about 3 months.

Iodine
Posted by Carolanne (Maryland) on 09/22/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am so surprised that the section on CYSTS did not list Iodine as a remedy! Iodine tincture (commonly a 2% liquid in an alcohol/water solution, found at smaller pharmacies) has a emulsifying effect on the waxy, oily substance inside common dermal cysts. Much like a warm compress would, iodine emulsifies the substance inside the cyst, making it thinner and less viscous so that it can be reabsorbed by the body.

I've had several sebaceous cysts on my scalp and, although dousing them with rubbing alcohol helps a bit, I found that iodine painted on with a Q-Tip works very quickly to shrink the cyst without having to squeeze it and break the skin (which opens you up to infection).

Iodine tincture comes in a tiny dark-colored bottle ad it found at smaller pharmacies; the big box stores are more likely to have a larger bottle (3-4 oz) of povidone iodine solution, which is more dilute but should be effective as well. The added bonus is, these solutions are powerful antibacterials (even against the dreaded MRSA) and are used in hospitals.



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