What
is a Pilonidal Cyst?
A
pilonidal cyst is a cavity underneath
the skin over the tailbone. Pilonidal
literally means "nest of hair" because
the cavity is often found to contain
hair. Literature shows that it is an
acquired disease and not inherited. You
are not born with it.
What
are the Symptoms?
Some
people have no symptoms. Occasionally,
pus accumulates in the cyst, causing
an abscess to form. Then a patient will
experience fever or pain and swelling
in the tailbone area. Others will develop
low-grade infections periodically. These
patients experience milder, recurring
episodes of pain and swelling.
Who
is Affected?
This
problem is more common in young adults
and teenagers. This condition is rare
in patients over 40 years of age. It
is three times more common in men than
women.
How
is it Treated?
Patients
with an acute abscess can generally be
treated in the doctor's office. The doctor
uses local anesthesia to numb the area.
An incision is made to allow for drainage
of pus. This immediately relieves pressure
and decreases pain. Daily cleansing of
the area in the bathtub or shower is
important to keep hair and other debris
out of the wound. The patient should
return for follow up until the wound
is healed. Healing occurs rapidly, and
usually the wounds are completely closed
in three weeks.
For
patients with mild or severe repeated
episodes surgery may be required.
This is done as an outpatient procedure
at the hospital. In most cases,
the cyst is opened, cleaned, and
allowed to heal from the inside
out. After surgery it is important
to keep gauze in the wound to keep
the skin edges separated until
the wound fills in from the bottom.
The patient usually returns to
the office for follow up until
the wound is healed. In some instances,
a more complex procedure is necessary.
Will
This Occur Again?
After
surgery approximately 10 percent of patients
will develop another cyst. One thing
that can be done to prevent it is to
keep the area free from hair with a depilatory
cream. |
