Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
Symptoms
Its possible that a pilonidal cyst might not cause any symptoms.
Eventually, a cyst forms around the hair.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
Other symptoms can be major clues in the diagnosis, including.
However, they may be used if another condition is a suspected cause of the cyst.
Treatment
The first-linetreatment for a pilonidal cystis usually draining it or having surgery to remove it.
There also might be adressingon the area that needs to be changed.
In all cases, follow-up care will be needed to check on the healing.
The problem won’t heal up without help and potential for infection or recurrence will remain.
Prognosis
A pilonidal cyst is considered a benign (harmless) condition.
Rarely, it could lead to a serious infection or complication if not treated.
Pilonidal cysts are less common in people over the age of 40.
For that reason, they might stop being a problem as people age.
Untreated Pilonidal Cysts
Not treating a pilonidal cyst does have risks.
Your healthcare provider can discuss drainage, surgery, and other treatment options as well as potential complications.
2024 Jun 21;16(6):e62807.
doi:10.7759/cureus.62807
Aubry F, Pinson J, Bridoux V.Pilonidal sinus laser therapy.J Visc Surg.
2025 Feb;162(1):36-41. doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2024.11.007.
Rosin D.Pilonidal disease: Keep it simple!Isr Med Assoc J.