Unusual skin growth is a kind of cyst at the lower part of the tailbone or coccyx that contains skin, hair, and pus, known as a pilonidal cyst. Once this cyst is infected, medically it is known as a “pilonidal abscess.”
It resembles a large pimple that can be painful and generally occurs in youngsters. Individuals who sit a lot are more likely to develop this problem.
Your doctor can treat this condition by draining it or taking it out through a surgical procedure.
What are the causes?
Many doctors believe that ingrown hair is the cause of a significant number of them. Pilonidal signifies “shell of hair,”. At times, doctors discover hair follicles inside the cyst.
There is another study that states pilonidal cysts occur after an injury to that area of the body.
An individual may experience a problem if there is a small dimple in the skin between the rear ends. This dimple can become infected; however, doctors aren’t certain why.
There are several risk factors, such as a lot of hair, obesity, persistent sitting, insufficient exercise, and too much sweating.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst
The symptoms of a pilonidal cyst include:
- Fever
- Bad odor from the pus
- Redness, pain, and swelling in the lower part of the spine
- Discharge of pus or blood from the cyst
- Warmth to the touch
A pilonidal cyst may vary in size, it can be a small dimple or involve a large, painful region.
When should I consult a doctor?
If you encounter any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor. A pilonidal cyst is an abscess or bubble. Treatment of a pilonidal cyst may incorporate hot packs, antibiotics, and skin treatment with depilatory creams. If an individual is experiencing a serious condition, it should be drained, or incised, to recuperate. Like different ulcers, it doesn’t improve with antibiotics.
How to Diagnose?
The diagnosis of a pilonidal cyst includes a physical examination, and your doctor might ask a few questions about the problem. This includes:
- When was the first time you sensed the symptoms?
- Have you had this condition earlier?
- Have you experienced a fever?
- Do you take any medicines or supplements?
How do I manage the pilonidal cyst complications?
Initially, complications for this condition may lead to mild swelling, redness, and pain. A few things you should attempt:
- To facilitate any aggravation, soak in warm water. At times, the cyst may open and deplete on its own with this process.
- Always keep the cyst and location next to it clean and dry
- You may go for over-the-counter pain medicines and follow dosage instructions.
Treatments of a Pilonidal Cyst
This medical condition doesn’t heal with antibiotics; however, your doctor will explain the treatments available to heal the cyst. This includes:
Incision and drainage of a Cyst: This is the most well-known technique for the first pilonidal cyst. In this procedure, the doctor makes an incision into the sore or cyst and drains it. They also remove hair follicles, leave the cut open, and cover the incision with gauze.
Your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the cyst. It might take about 3 weeks, but you must change the bandage as the PCT advises until the wound heals.
Marsupialization: In this method, the doctor makes a small incision and drains the cyst, eliminating pus and any hair that is inside. The doctor sutures the wound and covers the incision with a pouch. This procedure requires a highly experienced general surgeon. You can contact us to make an appointment with us.
Your doctor uses local anesthesia and this is an outpatient surgical procedure. In this procedure, recovery would take about 6 weeks.
Incision, drainage, and the closing of an incisional wound: In this procedure, the cyst is completely drained, the doctor sutures the incisional site after surgery, and the patient doesn’t require gauze to close the wound.
Other surgical techniques incorporate entire cyst and cyst wall extraction alongside the pilonidal sinus tracts, fibrin glue application, and extracting just infected tissue and the cyst out with punch biopsies.
Appointment
To know more about Pilonidal cyst removal surgery or consultation. Please contact our healthcare expert today at +1 (817) 748-0200.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different treatment options available for pilonidal cysts?
The different treatment options available for pilonidal cysts include antibiotics, draining the cyst, and surgical removal. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan based on individual circumstances.
2. How long does it take to recover after undergoing surgery for a pilonidal cyst?
The recovery time after undergoing surgery for this condition can vary depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed. Generally, it can take several weeks to fully recover from surgery for a pilonidal cyst. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by healthcare professionals to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.
3. Are there any home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst?
While some home remedies may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst, such as warm compresses and keeping the area clean and dry, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to individual circumstances. Home remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical advice and care.
4. What are the potential complications associated with untreated pilonidal cysts?
Untreated pilonidal cysts can lead to serious complications such as infection, abscess formation, and the development of sinus tracts. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to avoid these potential risks and ensure proper healing.
5. Can pilonidal cysts recur after treatment?
Yes, pilonidal cysts can recur after treatment. It is important to follow up with a healthcare provider to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to discuss preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD
Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA.
Follow us on Facebook and YouTube.
References:
- Nixon, A. T., & Garza, R. F. (2023, August 8). Pilonidal Cyst and Sinus. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557770/
- Pilonidal Disease | ASCRS. (n.d.). https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/pilonidal-disease
- UHS Health Topic – Pilonidal Cyst. (n.d.). https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/HT/HT_pilonidalcyst.html
- Pilonidal Cyst – familydoctor.org. (2023, October 10). familydoctor.org. https://familydoctor.org/condition/pilonidal-cyst/