HOMOEOPATHY FOR SEBACEOUS CYST.
Dr. KS. Gopi
Former Professor, Govt. Homeopathic medical college, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
A cyst usually is a slow-growing lump that can move easily under the skin. The term sebaceous cyst refers to either an epidermoid cyst, which originates from the skin, or a pilar cyst, which comes from hair follicles.
Sebaceous cysts are common noncancerous cysts of the skin. Cysts are abnormalities in the body that may contain liquid or semi liquid material.
Sebaceous cysts are mostly found on the face, neck, or torso. They grow slowly and are not life-threatening , but they may become uncomfortable if they go unchecked.
Causes
Sebaceous cysts form out of the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces the oil , called sebum, that coats the hair and skin.
Cysts can develop if the gland or its duct( the passage from which oil is able to leave ) becomes damaged or blocked. This usually occurs due to a trauma to the area.
The trauma may be a scratch , a surgical wound, or a skin condition, such as acne. Sebaceous cysts grow slowly , so the trauma may have occurred weeks or months before the cyst.
Other causes of a sebaceous cyst may include:
· Misshapen or deformed duct
· Damage to the cells during a surgery
· Genetic conditions , such as Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome
Symptoms
Small cysts are typically not painful. Large cysts can range from uncomfortable to considerably painful. Large cysts on the face and neck may cause pressure and pain.
This type of cyst is typically filled with white flakes of keratin. Most cysts are soft to the touch.
Ares on the body where cysts are usually found include:
· Scalp
· Face
· Neck
· Back
A sebaceous cyst is considered unusual and possibly cancer if it has the following characteristics :
· Diameter that is larger than 5cm
· Fast rate of reoccurrence after being removed
· Signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or pus drainage
Diagnosis
Usually with simple physical examination of the skin. In some cases , perform a biopsy to rule out other skin growths.
Complications
Sebaceous cysts may occasionally become infected and form painful abscesses. These cysts may return after surgically removed.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When sebaceous cyst is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms
BARYTA CARBONICUM: Sebaceous cysts especially on scalp. Stitching pain in sun. Scalp sensitive to touch. Effective for fatty tumors, lipomas. Swelling and induration of glands.
CALCAREA CARBONICUM: Sebaceous cyst on scalp. Profuse perspiration on scalp. Suited to fat abd obese persons. Chilly patient, catch cold very easily. Craving for eggs and indigestible things.
HEPAR SULPHURICUM: Infected sebaceous cyst. Pain and pus formation. Cannot bear to be uncovered, wants to be wrapped up warmly. Very sensitive to touch.
GRAPHITES: Sebaceous cysts , especially for people prone to eczema and other skin diseases. Cysts on scalp. Itching and burning on scalp. Hair loss. Habitual constipation.
LOBELIA INFLATA: Sebaceous cysts, especially on scalp. It is a specific remedy for sebaceous cysts.
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS: Cysts on the covered parts only. Soft fleshy and excrescences and spongy cysts. Very skin sensitive skin to touch.
SILICEA: Sebaceous cyst, especially on scalp. Infected cysts with pus. Offensive pus. Skin delicate, pale, and waxy. Profuse offensive sweat, especially on axilla , feet and hands.