Your sebaceous gland can get blocked when cheese-like substances accumulate under the skin’s outermost layer. This condition is also referred to as keratin and epidermoid cysts. The sebaceous gland is responsible for secreting oily substances that help to lubricate our skin and hairs, and when this gland is blocked, a cyst will form. Below are some symptoms of this condition:

• Swelling and tenderness in the infected area
• A yellowish material which is thick and has a foul smell that sometimes comes out of the cyst
• A bump, usually small and round beneath the skin. This could be seen around the face, neck or trunk.
• A small blackhead that plugs the opening at the center of the cyst

Home Remedies for Blocked Sebaceous Gland

1. Warm Compress

Applying moist heat to sebaceous cyst can help speed up the healing process. Heat expands the blood vessels, making it easier for the nutrient to be transported to the affected areas. Besides, heat can improve blood circulations, which help wash off toxins that cause this condition.

You need:

• Warm water
• Clean towel

How to do this:

• Put towel in the warm water.
• Remove it from water and squeeze out the water.
• Apply the towel on the spot for about fifteen minutes.
• Repeat two to four times daily.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Blocked sebaceous gland can lead to cystic acne which can get infected. Thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help in this condition. 

You need:

• One to two drops of tea tree oil
• Adhesive tape

How to do this:

• Apply one to two drops of tea tree oil to the affected area.
• Use an adhesive tape to cover the cyst.
• After about 10 minutes, take the tape off.
• Avoid sleeping with it.
• Apply only the oil on the next morning.

3. Castor Oil

This oil contains a chemical known as ricin which gives the oil anti-bacterial properties. It can be used to help reduce itching and inflammation.

You need:

• Clean cloth
• Castor oil
• Hot compress

How to do this:

• Soak a clean cloth in castor oil.
• Place the soaked cloth on the cyst.
• Put a hot press on top of the cloth.
• Hold it and leave for several minutes, but do not apply for more than 30 minutes.

You can also apply the oil directly on the affected area 3-4 times daily.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a skin-friendly herb and it is also good for your overall health. It has pain relieving and anti-bacterial properties, which helps shorten the healing process of the wound. Applying aloe vera on the affected area can relieve the discomfort caused by cysts in no time.

You need:

• Aloe Vera gel

How to do this:

• Apply some gel directly on the cyst.
• Gently rub the gel on the area until it penetrates into the cyst.
• Repeat this twice daily.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel extract is efficient in treating blocked sebaceous gland. Both the leaves and barks of witch hazel are rich in tannin which is a known remedy for glands that produce too much oil. Tannins help tighten pores of the skin and control oil secretion, thus preventing cysts and acne from forming.

You need:

• Witch hazel

How to do this:

• Apply one to two drops of witch hazel extract on the cyst.
• Rub gently till it penetrates into the cyst.
• Repeat the process daily.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

This material contains strong anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties. It works perfectly well for cleansing infected cysts.

You need:

• Cotton ball
• Apple cider vinegar

How to do this:

• Dip the cotton ball into the apple cider vinegar.
• Place the cotton ball on the cyst and hold for few minutes, and then remove it.
• If you have a very sensitive skin or you feel a stinging sensation, use water to dilute the vinegar before using it.
• Repeat three times daily.

7. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is effective in decreasing the size of cysts. As a natural germicide, it can also treat infected cysts. You need to use just little quantity of grapefruit because it has great strength.

You need:

• A drop of grapefruit seed extract
• Bandage
• Tissue

How to do this:

• Apply a drop on the cyst.
• Wait for some seconds till it is absorbed.
• Dab with the tissue.
• Use a bandage to cover.

Note: Most cysts don’t pose any threat to your health. But you'd better visit your doctor if you have a cyst which:

• Grows very fast
• Is very painful
• Occurs frequently

Medical Treatment for Blocked Sebaceous Gland

Although these epidermoid cysts are generally not harmful to your health, if you feel uncomfortable with them, you can visit your doctor and consider treatment options as follows:

• Injection: Injecting a kind of medication into the cyst will help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Drainage: Your doctor may cut a small incision on the cyst, and then he or she will squeeze the pus out. Although this treatment is easy and quick, your cyst may reoccur.
• Minor surgical procedure: During this procedure, the doctor will remove the whole cyst, which can prevent it from reoccurring.
• Lasers: It involves using a carbon dioxide laser to make the cyst vaporize.