A pilonidal cyst is also known as pilonidal sinus, pilonidal cyst disease or intergluteal pilonidal disease. This skin condition originates in the crease of the buttocks between the tailbone and anus. These cysts have ingrown hair. Pilonidal cysts are common in those who sit more often. A colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst is important to treat before it becomes severe.
A pilonidal cyst is a common condition that affects the round tissue sac containing fluid or air. A specific skin infection typically causes this type of cyst in the buttocks crease. There have been reports of above 70,000 cases in the U.S. in a year. Many people find it embarrassing to tell everything to even their medical providers.
Pilonidal cysts can get extremely painful while sitting. This type of cyst can be both acute and chronic. Acute pilonidal cysts are a one-time problem, but if you leave chronic cysts untreated, the return of these cysts can result in problems like sinus cavities and abscesses.
Who can get a pilonidal cyst?
Any person can get pilonidal cysts; however, some people have a higher risk of it.
- Men are more likely to get pilonidal cysts than women
- Workers who often sit, such as office workers and truck drivers
- People in their puberty. The average age of getting it is between 20 years and 35 years
- People who are obese or overweight
- Hereditary
- People having tough or thick body hair can get this cyst in heredity
- People wearing tight clothes
Is it a hereditary condition?
In certain cases, a pilonidal cyst is hereditary, which means you can inherit this condition from any family member. Your family history may play a significant role in understanding whether you could get pilonidal cysts. For example, if you have hereditary rough or thick body hair, you may have this type of cyst.
Is a pilonidal cyst contagious?
A pilonidal cyst is not a contagious skin condition. Just like pimples, there is no chance of it spreading. Currently, researchers think that this skin condition happens due to ingrown hair.
What causes a pilonidal cyst?
Experts are still in search of all the causes of pilonidal cysts. However, they know that ingrown hair in the buttocks’ crease may result in skin infection.
If you leave this skin infection untreated, a pilonidal cyst can lead to a sinus cavity or abscess. Both of these signs can get worse.
What are the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst?
You need to seek medical help in case of symptoms immediately:
- Worsening of pain, especially while sitting
- Small dimple-size or large swelling between the buttock area
- Foul-smelling abscess with blood or pus drainage
- Nausea, fatigue, and fever
How to treat pilonidal cyst treated?
Depending on the seriousness of your colorectal surgeon’s pilonidal cyst, you may or may not have to go for pilonidal cyst surgery to remove the cyst.
Is it curable?
It can sometimes get cured by undergoing surgery or healing fully. However, a pilonidal cyst may remain chronic even after undergoing surgery. So, search for a colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst near me to get treatment and get cured!
