It can contain hair, skin debris, and can leak pus and other fluids if infected.
In some cases, it can lead to the creation of a tunnel called apilonidal sinus.
The individual and their healthcare provider will decide on the pop in of treatment necessary based on several factors.
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Cyst Size
A pilonidal cyst can range in size.
It may start small and get larger.
Some people seek treatment based on the size of the cyst.
A small cyst that causes no symptoms usually can be treated at home.
A person might seek a surgical option for a larger cyst.
A large cyst could affect a persons quality of life, especially if it causes pain or other symptoms.
Pain
Pilonidal sinus disease often causes pain.
The pain may be one reason for getting treatment or having a more invasive bang out of surgery.
PSD is considered benign, meaning that it doesnt usually go on to cause other problems.
However, it can be chronic (long-lasting).
Infection
In some cases, a pilonidal cyst can become infected.
However, the exact jot down of surgical technique thats most effective is still being debated.
Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Options
The firsttreatment option for a pilonidal cystmight be to watch and wait.
In some cases, a cyst or a sinus might resolve on their own.
It is not recommended that people give a shot to pop or drain a cyst at home.
If a sinus does form, there may be a need for surgery to remove it.
Another level of treatment for a cyst would be to open it and drain it.
This will allow any pus or other fluid to drain.
Antibiotics might be used in some cases after a procedure to open up the cyst.
A bigger incision is made to open up the sinus and/or the abscess.
The tissue that is affected or inflamed will be removed.
The chance of a good outcome and recovery is better when all of the sinus tract is removed.
The incision may be closed or left open.
Closing the incision may increase the risk of a later infection.
Causes: Why Do Pilonidal Sinus Cysts Form?
It has been a longstanding theory that people with pilonidal sinus disease may sweat more than other people.
However, this may not be true.
A study showed that people with PSD didnt sweat more than anyone else.
However, the study was only done in people in Germany.
In addition, being sedentary, having obesity, and prolonged sitting are other risk factors.
Anopen surgical sitemight be packed with gauze and adrainmay be placed.
The surgeon and/or other healthcare providers will give instructions on how to manage these aspects of recovery from surgery.
Healthcare providers may suggest lifestyle changes that may help heal or prevent recurrence.
Avoiding sitting for too long.
Modifying physical activity or switching to walking or yoga for a time might help.
Bathing is important, but tub baths arent appropriate during healing.
Showering daily is often recommended.
Antimicrobial soap might be recommended to help keep the area clean and avoid the risk of infection.
Keeping clean after bowel movements is also important.
Using a bidet or personal care wipes may be helpful when a handheld shower head isnt available.
Laser hair removal might also be a good option.
It can help reduce the need to shave.
But it is expensive, takes several appointments to work, and wont remove all the hair.
Avoidingconstipationis also important to manage healing.Eating enough fiberand drinking water are important in avoiding having hard stools.
People should ask their healthcare provider about the use ofstool softeners.
Catching it early can help in getting treatment.
This includes keeping the area clean, changing dressings, and attending to other aftercare instructions.
Serious complications are not common.
The most common problems areinfections, recurrence of the cyst, and the development of an abscess.
Drainage from the area, which can affect quality of life, is also a common occurrence.
Cyst vs.
Boil vs. Abscess
Acystis a cavity on the skin or in the body that is filled with pus.
If its on or under the skin, it may feel like a lump.
Aboilis from an infection of a hair follicle.
It appears as a red lump on the skin.
Anabscessis a pocket of pus that is from an infection.
It can be inside body tissue, or it may involve the skin.
A boil may progress to an abscess.
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