Hydrocolloid patch overnight for a surface whitehead, microdart patch for a deep bump — that's the 24-hour playbook. Hero Mighty Patch ($13 for 72 at Target, CVS, Amazon) flattens a surfaced whitehead in six to eight hours. For an early-stage cyst you can feel but not see, ZitSticka Killa Kit ($29 for 8) delivers 2% salicylic acid through dissolving microdarts. Start with ice in 5-minute cycles to drop swelling, then apply the patch. A pea-sized dot of 1% hydrocortisone cuts redness fast (one-time only). For an actual emergency cyst, a dermatologist cortisone injection visibly flattens it in 24 to 48 hours — call same-day, most charge $50 to $150.