A pilonidal cyst may not cause symptoms. But if it's infected, the skin around the cyst may be swollen and painful.
Tenderness beginning near the base of your spine, just above your buttocks, possibly noted when you're sitting with pressure on the area. Pressure and pain developing at the site of the tenderness over time. A red, swollen bump forming at the site of the cyst that may have a coarse hair protruding.
A pilonidal cyst can be extremely painful especially when sitting. These cysts are usually caused by a skin infection and they often have ingrown hairs inside. During World War II, pilonidal cysts were often called "Jeep driver's disease” because they're more common in people who sit often.
Most people ignore the first signs of an infected cyst (a small hard, red sore spot). They think it is similar to an acne pimple and will go away on its own. As the cyst gets bigger, it gets redder and hurts more. The red area might break open and bleed or leak pus-like drainage.
So then how can you tell the difference? The main thing is that a pilonidal cyst is different because it's not down at the bony level the way that the coccyx is. So, again, for the tailbone or coccyx we're talking about bone pain down at the coccyx itself and tenderness when you press typically onto the bone itself.
If a pilonidal cyst isn't infected or causing problems, you may not need treatment beyond home care. In some cases, hair removal by shaving or laser treatment may be advised. Talk with your provider about your specific situation and if this is advised.
Pilonidal sinuses are common in young adults.It develops more commonly in men than women because they have more body hair. Anal fistulas commonly develop in adults around the age of 40. It affects males more than females.
Symptoms may include: Painful swelling over your sacrum, which is the area just above your tailbone. A foul smell or pus draining from that area.
Most pilonidal cysts are left alone. But if a cyst becomes infected or inflamed, you need treatment. This may include: Incision and drainage.
Don't squeeze the pilonidal cyst or stick a needle in it to drain it. This will make the infection worse, or spread it. Cover the cyst with a pad or something similar to keep it from becoming more irritated, damaged, and painful.
If you have a pilonidal cyst, follow these tips to help keep it from becoming infected: Shave around the cyst area to help prevent hairs from getting into the cyst. Clean the cyst area with a mild soap and rinse well to remove any soap residue. Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Most people can go back to work and most activities after 2 to 4 weeks. Until you have completely healed, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and activities that require long periods of sitting.
Pilonidal cysts are prone to infection. If one becomes infected, filling with pus, it is technically called a pilonidal abscess. Pilonidal cysts are always treated through excision and drainage. It is important to treat these cysts because left untreated the infection may become systemic.
Because pilonidal cysts develop near the buttocks, they can cause shame and embarrassment. Remember that healthcare providers see these types of conditions all the time.
Even after the pus is gone, the sinus tract will remain as part of your body. In other words, a pilonidal cyst will never truly go away on its own. As long as the tract is there, it has the potential to become infected again.
How Likely are Pilonidal Cysts to Recur? Some people undergo treatment for their pilonidal cysts, and never have another issue. However, as many as 20 percent of patients experience at least one recurrence. These cysts can recur within the first six months after treatment, or as many as 20 years later.
Pilonidal cysts occur when loose hairs get trapped underneath the skin near the tailbone. Your body treats this hair as a foreign object and forms a cyst around it. Activities that cause pressure and friction can trigger a pilonidal cyst, such as sitting for prolonged periods, biking, and wearing tight clothes.
A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac under the skin in the lower back, near the crease of the buttocks. Some aren't visible, while others can look like a small pit or dimple in the skin. They don't usually cause problems or need treatment unless they get infected.
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft).
Whether it is an initial or recurring occurence, first-line treatment of acute pilonidal disease with abscess is incision and drainage.
Surgery is needed to drain and remove a pilonidal cyst that does not heal. Your provider may recommend this procedure if you have pilonidal disease that is causing pain or infection. A pilonidal cyst that is not causing symptoms does not need treatment.
Many can live a lifetime with a pilonidal sinus without PSD, even if they are hirsute. It is coarse, thick hair that will create PSD when it glides over the surface of the lower back and upper buttocks and pierces through the cutaneous barrier at the base of a pilonidal sinus funnel.
You have two options for sleeping positions during the postoperative period: your stomach or your side. Either of these sleeping styles can help reduce the strain on of your back and buttocks. When lying on your side, be careful not to curl into a position that stretches your lower back.