Dealing with a pilonidal cyst? Get straightforward info on causes, symptoms like pain and drainage, plus treatment options—from simple drainage to surgery—and prevention tips for this common tailbone issue.
Okay, so you’ve got that nagging bump near your tailbone and you’re wondering what’s up? It might be a pilonidal cyst, and if you’re anything like me, you’re now scrambling to Google what *that* even is.
We’re gonna break down everything you need to know about pilonidal cysts: what they are, what causes ’em, how to spot them, and what your treatment options are. I tell you, this is not something you want to ignore!
- What Is a Pilonidal Cyst?
- Causes of Pilonidal Cyst
- Most Affected Categories for Pilonidal Cyst
- Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst
- Diagnosis of Pilonidal Cyst
- Treatment of Pilonidal Cyst
- Recovering From Pilonidal Cyst Surgery
- Prevention of Pilonidal Cyst
What Is a Pilonidal Cyst?
A pilonidal cyst, also called a pilonidal sinus, is basically a sac that develops in the skin between your butt cheeks and above the tailbone or coccyx. It often contains hair and skin debris—kinda gross, right?
Think of it like this: a cyst is like a little pocket that forms in the body. This pocket can be caused by an infection or inflammation, or it can be filled with fluids. Eventually, it might turn into an abscess, making the person feel a lot of pain.
Causes of Pilonidal Cyst
There isn’t one single, definitive cause of pilonidal cysts known for sure, but doctors suspect a few things might play a role, including:
- Hair getting trapped under the skin. This is a big one. You see, sometimes loose hairs can penetrate the skin and, because of the way some folks are built, end up congregating, and forming a pilonidal cyst.
- The area getting irritated from friction or pressure.
- Experiencing recurring infections in that area.
- Being born with a small dimple between the butt cheeks. Which, usually doesn’t pose a problem, but later in life it could be susceptible to infection.
And while we’re talking about potential causes of these nasty cysts, it’s worth mentioning something that the original article doesn’t cover. It’s all about prolonged sitting and the type of chair. We’ve noticed… People who spend hours each day sitting, especially on hard, unyielding surfaces, may increase their risk. The pressure restricts blood flow, weakening the skin’s defenses and making it easier for hairs to get trapped. So, ergonomic chairs and frequent breaks are a must!
Most Affected Categories for Pilonidal Cyst
Pilonidal cysts tend to show up mostly during a person’s prime. Generally, some of the more common people affected are:
- Men are way more likely to get them than women.
- Younger adults. Typically, it’s more common among younger folk than older folks.
- People with certain risk factors:
- Obesity.
- Excessive body hair growth.
- Stiff hair.
- Lots of sweating or moisture in the area between the butt cheeks.
- Sitting for long periods of time without much exercise.
- Excessive sweating.
Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst
Here’s what you might experience if you have a pilonidal cyst:
- Pain, which can get worse when you sit, move, or put pressure on the area near your tailbone.
- Pus or blood draining from the cyst.
- A nasty smell coming from the drainage.
- Tenderness when you touch the cyst.
- Fever.
Pilonidal cysts can be really small or really large; some you hardly notice and others feel like you’re sitting on a golf ball.
Diagnosis of Pilonidal Cyst
Diagnosing a pilonidal cyst usually involves a doctor taking a look at the area, and pressing around a bit to see how tender it is. If you’re worried, always best to get a medical professional involved!
Treatment of Pilonidal Cyst
There are a bunch of ways to treat pilonidal cysts, from simple stuff you can do at home to surgical options. It usually consists of the following:
1. Incision and drainage
If this is the first time you’ve ever had a pilonidal cyst, this is usually the first thing the doctor will do.
During this procedure, the doctor will make a small cut in the cyst, and drain it. This usually includes getting rid of any small hairs, and then packing the wound with gauze.
One of the advantages of this method is that it can be done without having to go to a hospital, but local anesthesia is often required. It’s relatively quick and cheap.
However, you’ll have to change the dressing on the wound regularly which can take up to 3 weeks. Sounds annoying if you ask me.
2. Marsupialization
This surgical procedure involves more or less the same first steps but with a twist! During this one, the doctor will cut into the cyst and drain it, but they won’t let it close back up.
Instead, they’ll stitch the edges of the cut to create a kind of pouch.
This method is a surgical procedure, but it can be done in a clinic without needing an operating room.
It takes around 6 weeks or longer to heal fully.
3. Incision and drainage of the cyst with surgical closure
During this procedure, a surgical incision is made to drain the contents of the cyst, and the wound is closed. However, this procedure can cause more complications than the previous methods. The procedure is performed in a equipped operating room under full anesthesia.
Recovering From Pilonidal Cyst Surgery
Like with any surgery, you gotta be careful before and after! So listen to your doctor about the following:
- Keep the area clean.
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection. Redness, pus, and pain, for example.
- Follow all medical instructions.
- Keep the area free of hair.
The cool part is, in most cases, simple pilonidal cyst treatments reduce the risk of further irritation, and future pain.
Prevention of Pilonidal Cyst
Keeping yourself clean is super important for preventing pilonidal cysts. And also, prevent them from coming back, and that involves:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Keep the area free of hair, either by shaving, or using special creams.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes.
And, if you’re overweight, try to lose a few pounds, as this can also reduce the chances of getting a pilonidal cyst.
Key takeaways
- Pilonidal cysts are pockets that form near the tailbone, often containing hair and skin debris.
- Good hygiene, hair removal, and avoiding tight clothing can help prevent pilonidal cysts.
- Men and younger adults are more prone to developing pilonidal cysts.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is pilonidal cyst contagious?
No, pilonidal cysts are not contagious. They are typically caused by ingrown hairs and skin debris, not by a virus or bacteria that can be transmitted from person to person.
Can sitting for long periods cause pilonidal cysts?
Yes, prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces, can increase the risk of developing pilonidal cysts. The pressure can restrict blood flow and weaken the skin’s defenses.
Does laser hair removal prevent pilonidal cysts?
Laser hair removal can be an effective method for preventing pilonidal cysts, as it reduces hair growth in the affected area.
Are pilonidal cysts cancerous?
No, pilonidal cysts are not cancerous. They are benign growths, but if left untreated, they can lead to chronic infections and discomfort.
Can pilonidal cysts heal on their own?
Small, non-infected pilonidal cysts may sometimes heal on their own with good hygiene. However, larger or infected cysts usually require medical treatment, such as drainage or surgical removal.
For years, I struggled with this recurring discomfort near my tailbone. It was embarrassing and painful, and I didn’t know what it was. After finally seeing a doctor, I learned it was a pilonidal cyst. The treatment was straightforward, and the relief was immense. I wish I had gone sooner!
As a young adult, I was surprised to find a painful lump near my tailbone. I tried various home remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, I sought medical help and underwent a minor surgical procedure. The recovery was quick, and I’m now pain-free. Early intervention made all the difference.
I had a stubborn pilonidal cyst that kept coming back. It affected my ability to sit comfortably and impacted my daily life. After consulting with a specialist, I opted for a more extensive surgical approach. The recovery was longer, but the results were worth it. I’m finally free from the constant discomfort and worry.
So, yeah, pilonidal cysts can be a real pain in the butt, literally. But hopefully now you have a better idea of what they are, what causes them, and how to deal with them. Honestly, it is something that’s worth looking into, and getting it taken care of. I know I’d personally want to deal with it, so I could sit comfortably again!
