I've never had any luck with ice or heat...but once or twice a day apply topical ibuprofen from an ibuprofen capsule (I cut it open and squeeze a drop out that I apply to the cyst), for me that works...hey it's cheap so give it a try!

as you know, what works for one doesn't for another...you just have to find your thing

On occasion I've gotten good results from an aspirin paste that I made from dissolving an aspirin in water until it forms a thick paste.

I'll dissolve many of them in a dish or for just one I'll hold it under the water until the coating comes off and then hold in in the palm of my hand as I add drops of water to it Adding a tiny bit of moisturizer will prevent it from drying up as fast and crumbling off. Don't get it in your eyes because it burns and if you have pets, be sure to not allow them to lick your face or lick any of it if it crumbles off your face and falls on your lap/floor/etc. Aspirin is toxic to dogs and cats.

"Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid and is commonly used to treat minor aches and pains. Aspirin can also be used like an anti-inflammatory agent like other acne medicines however aspirin will not dry out skin as much"1

I leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Before I rinse it off, I add a little more water and use what's on my face as an exfoliant. It reduces redness and swelling plus it dries it out a little but leaves the skin very smooth and soft.

I've also gotten good results from dabbing vinegar but I like pure aloe gel the most because of its natural healing properties. " Aloe has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties thus cleansing your skin of all filth and bacteria."2 I keep a leaf of aloe, cut up into one inch slices in the fridge so that it's nice and cold when I remove the outer part to use the inner gel.

1st quote: http://voices.yahoo.com/treating-adult-acne-aspirin-4866914.html?cat=69

2nd quote: [Removed]