A pilonidal cyst is a round-shaped tissue sac that contains fluid or air in it. This common cyst is mostly caused by a skin infection that originates in the buttocks crease at any area between the tailbone and anus. A pilonidal cyst is a widespread condition that affects thousands of people every year.
However, many people find it difficult to mention the condition, even to doctors. This type of cyst may cause pain, especially in the sitting posture. Pilonidal disease can be an acute or chronic problem. This means your cyst may be a one-time problem, or it may keep returning. Besides, without any treatment, chronic pilonidal conditions can lead to swollen infectious pockets or abscesses and sinus cavities.
Pilonidal cyst disease or pilonidal cyst infection is often caused by skin infection with ingrown hair. They are quite typical of people who sit very often. Pilonidal illness happens when an abscess or cyst forms in the cleft of the buttocks, close to the tailbone. Young individuals are more likely to have this ailment, which can be quite painful and uncomfortable. Pilonidal disease can be treated at home in a number of methods, even if some cases could necessitate medical attention. The purpose of this article is to explain several natural cures for pilonidal illness.
Who is prone to get a pilonidal disease?
Any person can suffer from a pilonidal cyst. However, there are some people who are at a higher risk of it.
- Men have more than three times more prone to get a pilonidal cyst diagnosis than women
- People in the age group of 20 to 35, i.e., puberty to 40 years
- People who need to sit down often, like office employees and truck drivers
- People who have rough or thick body hair. This can be genetic.
- People dealing with obesity
- People mostly wearing tight-fitted clothes can worsen their skin condition
Can pilonidal cysts be hereditary?
In some pilonidal disease cases, a person can inherit the disease from his family member. So, family history plays an essential role in understanding whether you can get a pilonidal cyst. For instance, if there is a run of rough or thick body hair in the family, you are likely to get pilonidal cysts.
Is a pilonidal cyst infection contagious?
A pilonidal cyst disease is a type of non-contagious skin condition that cannot be spread like a pimple. Recently, several researchers have been thinking of it to be originating due to ingrown hair.
What can cause pilonidal cysts?
Experts are yet to learn about all of the pilonidal cyst diseases’ causes. Nonetheless, they know how ingrown hair in the buttocks crease can result in skin infections and further form a pilonidal cyst infection.
If you leave this condition untreated, a pilonidal cyst can give rise to an abscess or sinus cavities. Both of these signs indicate worsening of skin infections.
What are the symptoms of pilonidal cyst disease?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, then immediately ask for medical care.
- Pain, especially while in the sitting position
- Redness, small dimple-like or large swollen spot at the end of the spine or between the buttocks
- Tenderness in between the buttocks when touched
- An abscess or pus with draining of blood out of it that releases a foul smell
- Fever
- Nausea or extreme tiredness
Is it possible for pregnant women to get pilonidal cysts?
Although a pilonidal cyst condition is pretty common in me, there are possibilities of pregnant women getting them too. If you notice pain in the buttocks, it could indicate having a pilonidal cyst and not a usual pregnancy discomfort. In this case, it is better to contact a healthcare provider and get a thorough check-up.
Type of Treatments
The type of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms of pilonidal cysts. There are multiple treatments available other than surgery. These includes:
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Cyst Drainage
This medical procedure in the clinic of the healthcare provider. The provider makes a small cut to open the cyst and drain out fluid from the infected pilonidal cyst.
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Injections
In the case of mild and moderate cyst treatment and prevention, the provider uses injections.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a common type of treatment used for skin inflammation treatment. However, they cannot heal a pilonidal cyst on their own.
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Laser therapy
Laser therapy is very commonly used to remove hair. If hair becomes ingrown, it can increase the chances of more pilonidal cysts coming back.
Nonetheless, you can try to reduce your pain using a warm compress on your affected area. This helps to soothe the skin and make you get less pain while waiting for the pilonidal cyst treatment. In addition, you can also use a mattress or inflatable seat to feel less discomfort.
When is the need for pilonidal cysts surgery?
In case of a chronic condition or worsened pilonidal cyst that led to a sinus cavity, you are most likely in need of surgery. With the help of surgery, you can entirely remove the cyst. Later, the surgeon might leave your wound open to insert gauze or close it with sutures or take a skin flap.
Is pilonidal cyst a curable disease?
Pilonidal cyst diseases are treatable conditions that sometimes need surgery to cure and fully heal the skin. However, a pilonidal cyst condition has the possibility to remain in a chronic state and can return even after undergoing surgery.
This is more likely to happen if the condition of the pilonidal cyst has worsened or if it is a hereditary disease. Nonetheless, if you are suffering from this condition, schedule your appointment with a pilonidal expert to find relief from the extreme pain of pilonidal cyst disease.
