What Is Pilonidal Cyst Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Pilonidal Cyst
What Is Pilonidal Cyst Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
By Valencia HigueraMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD and Justin Laube, MDReviewed: October 8, 2020Medically ReviewedCan’t sit, stand, or bend over without feeling pain? Do you feel a lump or bump near your tailbone (coccyx)? If so, you might have a pilonidal cyst. “A pilonidal cyst is a deep and painful pocket in the skin, usually located above the buttocks' cleft,” explains Yoram Harth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of MDacne in San Francisco. “The cyst starts when a hair grows into the skin, resulting in skin irritation, pain, and frequent accumulation of pus.” (1) Pronounced "pie-low-NYE-dull," the word means ''nest of hairs.” If the cyst becomes infected, the abscess that results can be very painful. (2) Signs and Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst
Symptoms of a pilonidal cyst include: (1)Pain or tendernessSwellingSkin reddeningDraining of pus or blood (sometimes with a foul smell) Sometimes, a pilonidal sinus develops. This is an opening that grows under the skin from the hair follicle. (3) Treatment isn’t typically needed for cysts that don’t cause symptoms, but for those that are swollen, tender, and infected, you should seek out medical help, because in these cases, treatment is necessary. (4) A pilonidal cyst forms when loose hairs get trapped under the skin above the tailbone. It can result in pus accumulation, pain, and skin irritation.iStock Common Questions & Answers
Will a pilonidal cyst go away on its own?Some pilonidal cysts don’t require treatment and drain on their own. But these cysts can return. Treatment is necessary for a cyst that comes and goes, or one that becomes infected. Your doctor can drain or surgically remove the cyst.What causes a pilonidal cyst?Pilonidal cysts occur when loose hairs get trapped underneath the skin near the tailbone. Your body treats this hair as a foreign object and forms a cyst around it. Activities that cause pressure and friction can trigger a pilonidal cyst, such as sitting for prolonged periods, biking, and wearing tight clothes.How do you get rid of a pilonidal cyst at home?To ease pain and discomfort, and to encourage a pilonidal cyst to drain, apply a hot, wet compress to the affected area several times a day or take a warm bath. This can help the cyst open.How serious is a pilonidal cyst?A pilonidal cyst isn’t a serious condition, but complications can occur in certain cases. For example, these cysts may increase the risk of a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, and some cysts can trigger a life-threatening full-body infection.How can I stop my pilonidal cyst from coming back?To prevent a pilonidal cyst from returning, avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. You can also shave near your tailbone to prevent ingrown hairs in this area. Losing weight can also lower your risk, as well as keeping this area clean and dry. Causes and Risk Factors of Pilonidal Cyst
Experts don't agree on exactly what causes pilonidal cysts. If you sit for prolonged periods, or wear tight clothing, you may be at higher risk of getting these cysts. (5) Some believe ingrown hairs (loose hairs that reenter the skin) are triggers. The skin then responds to the hair as if it were a foreign body and forms a cyst around it. (4) This chain of events explains pilonidal cysts that affect body parts other than the tailbone area. For instance, the cysts can develop in the skin between the fingers among barbers and dog groomers. (1) According to another theory, as deep layers of the skin stretch, the hair follicle enlarges and ruptures, and then cyst forms around the follicle that ruptures. The follicle is the structure from which a hair grows out. (6)more on Pilonidal Cyst Why You Shouldn t Skip Your Dermatology Appointment During COVID-19
Some experts believe pilonidal cysts occur after trauma to that body area. Many World War II soldiers, for example, had pilonidal cysts. Experts blamed those cysts on the chronic irritation that occurred when the soldiers rode in jeeps over bumpy terrain. (7) The condition was even known as "jeep disease" for a time. Some factors may increase the risk of getting a pilonidal cyst. Among them: (5)Being obeseBeing inactiveWorking at a job that requires long sitting times (such as truck driving)Having excess body hairHaving stiff or coarse hairHaving poor hygiene Sometimes, pilonidal cysts are hereditary. Rough body hair and ingrown hairs may run in your family, increasing your risk of developing a cyst. (5) How Is Pilonidal Cyst Diagnosed
Doctors can often diagnose a pilonidal cyst by looking at the skin. If you’re experiencing pain or other irritation near the tailbone, your doctor will complete a physical examination of the crease of your buttocks. A pilonidal cyst can appear as a small pimple or an oozing cyst. (7) Your doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan to check for a pilonidal sinus underneath the surface of your skin. (7) More on Skin Bumps
Buttocks Breakouts How to Get Rid of the Bumps on Your Behind
Prognosis of Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst can be extremely painful, especially if it becomes infected. But the condition in itself isn’t life-threatening, and the outlook is positive with treatment. (8) Keep in mind, though, pilonidal cysts can become chronic when those that do not drain on their own are left untreated. (8) In those cases, seek treatment to avoid worsening of symptoms. Duration of Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst might remain until your doctor opens and drains the cyst, or surgically removes the cyst. But even after treatment, it can take one to two months for the wound to heal. Sometimes, it takes longer — up to six months. (9) Treatment and Medication Options for Pilonidal Cyst
Treatment for a pilonidal cyst depends on the severity of symptoms and the infection. (4) The following are some possible treatment methods. Draining the Cyst
Treatment to drain a cyst is typically completed in the doctor's office or a same-day surgery center. Your doctor will numb the area with an injection and then make a small incision, draining the cyst. This is commonly known as an I&D (incision and drainage). (10) Medications
In addition, you may receive antibiotics so that the infection doesn’t spread. (4) It’s important to note that while treatment with topical and oral antibiotics can temporarily reduce pain, these medications don’t eliminate the cyst, warns Harth. (11) Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is needed to remove the cyst entirely. This procedure is called a pilonidal cystectomy. After surgery, your doctor may leave the wound open, packing it with dressing so it can support drainage, or may need a temporary draining tube. This approach has a longer healing time, but a lower chance of the infection returning than closing the wound with stitches. (10) Your doctor will show you how to change the dressing before you go home, and will explain what follow-up is needed if a tube is placed. The doctor will also likely monitor you for healing and any signs of infection with follow-up visits. (12) Editor s Picks on Skin Lumps and Bumps
What Are the Scientific Causes of Adult Acne
What Bit Me Spot These 13 Bug Bites
What Are Skin Tags
Back Acne Bacne 101 Why Pimples Pop up and How to Prevent and Get Rid of Them
Prevention of Pilonidal Cyst
“A main cause of pilonidal cysts are free hair shafts that break through the skin, so removing hairs from the area around the cyst can prevent cysts from forming or recurring,” says Ife Rodney, MD, the founding director of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics in Fulton, Maryland. (1) “Practicing good hygiene and keeping the lower back clean and dry may help prevent pilonidal cysts, too, as this prevents bacteria from getting into the cyst, says Dr. Rodney. (1) Other measures that can prevent an infection from returning include: (13)Clean the area with mild soap and water. Rinse well to get rid of soap residue.Take frequent breaks if you have to sit for long periods.Don't wear tight clothing, as this can force hair down into the skin.Soak in a warm bathtub of water for pain relief.Laser hair removal may reduce the risk of recurrence. (14) Complications of Pilonidal Cyst
While not life-threatening, a painful cyst can make it difficult to sit, stand, or walk for long periods, which can interfere with working or driving. Some people also develop a chronic condition, where cysts recur even after surgical treatment. According to research published in 2018 in the Journal of Surgical Research, the recurrence of pilonidal disease after treatment is as high as 30 percent. (15) Additionally, these cysts increase the skin of a systemic infection and squamous cell carcinoma. (1,8) More on Skin Basics
8 Fascinating Facts You Probably Never Knew About Your Skin
Research and Statistics Who Has Pilonidal Cysts and How Prevalent Are These Cysts
Pilonidal cysts are common, with more than 70,000 cases reported in the United States each year. Anyone can develop this condition, but it’s more common in young men, says Harth. (5) In fact, men are about three to four times more likely to develop this condition than women. It typically occurs between ages 20 and 35. (5) Related Conditions and Causes of Pilonidal Cyst
Certain conditions may increase the likelihood of developing a pilonidal cyst. These include: (2,16)AcneFolliculitisTailbone injuryStaphylococcus aureus infectionObesityHidradenitis suppurativa Most Popular in Skin and Beauty
7 Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
10 Natural Dry-Skin Remedies You Can DIY at Home
Beyond Coconut 7 Other Natural Oils for Smooth and Radiant Skin
7 Easy Home Remedies for Acne
Resources We Love
Favorite Organizations for Essential Pilonidal Cyst Information
KidsHealth Although pilonidal cysts are more common among young men, it can affect children, too. KidsHealth provides information to help you identify this skin condition in your child. You’ll also find advice on ways to treat this condition at home.Cleveland Clinic Whether you need information on prevention, treatment, or diagnosis, the Cleveland Clinic gives a comprehensive overview of pilonidal cysts. You’ll find answers to common questions about this condition, as well as other helpful wellness information.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) The ASCRS provides a thorough overview of pilonidal cysts and other useful resources related to this condition. This includes images and a video explaining causes and symptoms. Best Online Support Network
Pilonidal Support Alliance If you have pilonidal disease, this website is an excellent place to learn more about your condition and receive support from a community. You can share your personal story, read the experiences of others, or drop by the patient forum to ask a question or get tips. Favorite Site for Telemedicine
MDLive Think you might have a pilonidal cyst? If you have questions, concerns, or need a diagnosis, you can speak with an online dermatologist anytime, anywhere. Simply upload a photo of your skin. For treatment, though, you’ll need to see a local doctor. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Pilonidal Cyst: Overview. Mayo Clinic. November 21, 2018.Ngan V. Pilonidal Disease. DermNet. 2003.Pilonidal Sinus. NHS. December 6, 2017.Pilonidal Cyst. KidsHealth. January 2020.Pilonidal Cyst: Overview. Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2020.Bascom J. Surgical Treatment for Pilonidal Disease. BMJ. April 19, 2008.Pilonidal Cyst: Diagnosis and Tests. Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2020.Pilonidal Cyst: Outlook and Prognosis. Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2020.Tailbone Cyst Removal (Pilonidal Cystectomy). Summit Medical Group. 2014.Pilonidal Cyst: Diagnosis. Mayo Clinic. November 21, 2018.Pilonidal Cyst: Management and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2020.Surgery for Pilonidal Cyst. MedlinePlus. September 16, 2020.Pilonidal Cyst: Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2020.Ghnnam WM, Hafez DM. Laser Hair Removal as Adjunct to Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus: Our Initial Experience. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. September 2011.Halleran D, Lopez J, et al. Recurrence of Pilonidal Disease: Our Best Is Not Good Enough. Journal of Surgical Research. December 1, 2018.Pilonidal Cyst. University of Virginia Health. 2020.Show LessNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Pilonidal Cyst
Poison Ivy Poison Oak and 7 Other Plants That Can Give You a Rash
Do you know which plants can give you a skin rash? It’s not just poison ivy.By Ingrid StrauchOctober 21, 2022 Body Lice Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment
By Holly PevznerOctober 21, 2022 The Emotional Toll of Having Bedbugs
Bedbugs are particularly disturbing because they invade such an intimate and personal space. Here’s how not to let the bugs get the best of your mental...By Moira LawlerOctober 18, 2022 11 Potential Causes of Hair Loss and Baldness
By Kristeen Cherney, PhDOctober 7, 2022 Identifying and Treating Spider Bites
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Get Relief
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 What s a Typical Day Like With Psoriasis
By Howard ChangSeptember 30, 2022 10 Common Questions About Impetigo
This bacterial infection can cause blisters and crusting on the skin, but antibiotics are very effective at mitigating symptoms and reducing the spread...By Moira LawlerSeptember 30, 2022 Best and Worst Drinks for Psoriasis
Can drinking more water help ease psoriasis symptoms? How good or bad is alcohol, tea, or soda? Here’s how to make the healthiest choices for your skin...By Becky UphamSeptember 30, 2022 MORE IN Will Popular Hair-Loss Products Help My Alopecia
Life With Alopecia Your Guide to Microblading Eyelash Extensions and More
7 Dermatologist-Approved Skin-Care Tips for Hidradenitis Suppurativa