Pilonidal (sacral) cyst: causes, symptoms and treatment

The cause of the most common pilonidal cyst is usually a simple infection of a hair follicle that penetrates the skin unnaturally. When the hair penetrates the subcutaneous tissue, it gives rise to an inflammatory reaction that, later, leads to the formation of a cyst. Pilonidal cysts are so called because they generally have hairs, but in many cases the hair follicles are not found, which shows that the hair in question was not born in that place but has been pushed towards it.

In addition to the above, the accumulation of fat in the area or an excess of sweating helps the infection of the cyst and the formation of pus.

Other risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a pilonidal cyst include the following:

• Do activities or work that requires you to sit for a long time.
• Trauma to the coccyx area.
• Obesity .
• Having excess hair in the coccyx area.
• Present a very deep crease on the buttocks.

The pilonidal cyst can be asymptomatic or simply notice a bulging area in the crease between the buttocks for a long time if it does not become infected. Now, when it becomes inflamed and infected, the most common pilonidal cyst symptoms are listed below:

• Painful reddish lump or nodule under the skin.
• Pus.
• Pain.
• Difficulty or inability to remain seated.
• Fever, general malaise, and joint and / or muscle pain when the infection worsens.

In the case of an inflamed and infected pilonidal cyst, the treatment to be followed is surgical. The possibilities to cure a pilonidal cyst are:

Incision and drainage of pus

This is the most common and frequent pilonidal cyst treatment. A small incision is made in the cyst to drain all the purulent material under local anesthesia that numbs the skin in the area. It is a very simple process performed on an outpatient basis. After the intervention, a gauze is placed on the damaged area and it can take up to four weeks for the cyst to heal completely.

Cistectomía pilonidal

An operation on the pilonidal cyst may be required when it continues to cause problems and is not eliminated with the previous treatment. In this case, the area is normally numbed and a cut is made to remove the skin and tissue with the hair follicles. Sometimes, a kind of tube is placed that serves to drain all the fluid that accumulates after the intervention.

Pilonidal cyst treatment can also be completed with antibiotics, warm compresses, and application of topical creams to fight infection and reduce inflammation.

It is important to note that this condition has a 40% chance of recurrence, it can become chronic even after surgery.

In addition to the previous treatment, it is important to reduce the chances, as far as possible, of contracting a pilonidal abscess, and for this it is necessary to take into account recommendations such as the following:

• Keep the area clean and dry, avoiding the accumulation of sweat in it.
• Avoid sitting for a long time on hard surfaces.
• Remove hair from the area.
• Do not perform exercises or movements that can put pressure on the tailbone area.
• Avoid leading a sedentary life.

On the other hand, there are some home remedies for pilonidal cyst that can help reduce the discomfort it produces and reduce the swelling of the nodule. The most effective are:

• Aloe vera: it is anti-inflammatory, regenerating and healing. Apply a little aloe vera gel to the affected area, cover with gauze and let it act for about 20 minutes.
• Turmeric: has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Prepare a paste with a little turmeric and water and apply it on the area with the pilonidal cyst, cover with gauze and leave for 15 or 20 minutes.
• Epsom salts : you can treat the sacral cyst with these salts with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and 1 glass of water and apply the preparation on the affected area with the help of a clean and dry gauze.

It is very important that these natural remedies only apply to the pilonidal cyst when there are no open wounds. If in doubt, it is best to consult your doctor first.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pilonidal (sacral) cyst: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .