A pilonidal cyst is an abscess that forms on the skin above the tailbone.
A pilonidal cyst can affect anyone, although it is most commonly found in males between the ages of 15 and 25. Its exact causes are uncertain, but doctors and researchers believe that most pilonidal cysts arise when hair follicles become lodged in the sensitive skin area due to constant friction or pressure. Some cysts remain small and painless, although they can potentially cause significant discomfort, swelling, redness, irritation, bleeding, and fluid discharge. Doctors usually treat cysts by piercing them with needles to drain pus, prescribing antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, or performing surgery to remove hair follicles and infected tissue.
Cysts typically develop when hair penetrates the skin just above the buttocks, causing infection and dead skin and dirt buildup. Pus usually forms and oozes from damaged skin. Most pilonidal cysts occur when the skin on the tailbone is subjected to friction from tight clothing or pressure from sitting for long periods. Individuals who are more likely to develop cysts are young people who have a lot of body hair, poor hygiene, or weight problems. A person who leads an inactive lifestyle or has a job that requires constant sitting may also be at risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.
Most cysts cause several significant symptoms. The actual cyst filled with pus can usually be seen, along with swelling and redness around the area. A developed pilonidal cyst might ooze pus and blood when the skin is broken through contact with clothing, a chair, or a bed. Cysts can often itch, feel uncomfortable, or even hurt so walking and sitting become difficult. An individual suffering from a pilonidal cyst should contact their primary care physician, who can determine the best option for treatment.
A doctor can relieve a patient’s swelling, redness, and irritation symptoms by prescribing oral or topical antibiotics and physically draining cysts. The doctor usually cleans the area with soap and water, removes any visible debris and skin hair, numbs the skin, makes a small puncture in the abscess, and squeezes excess fluid and blood. This procedure is usually sufficient to stop the cyst from developing and promote a full recovery within one to two weeks. A very large, stubborn, or painful abscess may require a surgical procedure that involves cutting out the pilonidal cyst, cleaning it thoroughly, and dressing it in gauze and antibiotics. Patients are usually instructed to keep the area as clean and free of body hair as possible to prevent cysts from recurring.
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