Pilonidal cysts can be painful, disruptive, and embarrassing, but there are treatments that can help. At Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas, our team takes great pride in providing those in our care with outstanding diagnostic and treatment services.
Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, is happy to meet with you to determine if you have a pilonidal cyst and discuss ways to eliminate the problem. Let’s take a closer look at how these cysts develop and how you can lower your risk of recurring cysts.
Pilonidal cysts are round sacs filled with fluid or air. They can develop at any point along the crease of the buttocks. Researchers believe that these types of cysts are the result of an infection brought on by an ingrown hair.
Interestingly, there are accounts of more than 80,000 soldiers developing pilonidal cysts requiring hospitalization during World War II. At that time, it was believed that the cysts were caused by the skin irritation that came with riding in Jeeps for long periods of time. The condition was referred to as “Jeep disease.”
Today, most medical researchers believe that pilonidal cysts develop when a hair cannot exit the follicle normally. This trapped hair continues to grow and becomes coiled within your skin. Bacteria within the follicle multiplies, creating the inflammation and pus that causes discomfort.
Anyone can develop a pilonidal cyst, but some people have a higher risk than others. Here are some of the known risk factors:
If you have a combination of these risk factors, understanding the signs of a pilonidal cyst can help you know when to seek treatment. Symptoms include discomfort, swelling, redness, and the presence of pus or blood.
Some cysts can look like a small pimple or a larger sore. Because of their location, it isn’t always easy to visually assess a pilonidal cyst. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to discomfort in any area of your body and to schedule a diagnostic exam if you’re concerned.
While it’s possible to only experience a single pilonidal cyst, many people develop multiple cysts over the course of their lives.
There are multiple ways to treat pilonidal cysts. You work with Dr. deVilleneuve to determine the best approach.
If your cyst is significantly swollen, draining it might be the first treatment approach. This involves creating a small incision and draining any fluid within. Packing the remaining space with gauze helps the cyst heal over the coming weeks. You learn how to remove and replace the gauze at home.
Antibiotics can help control infection as your body heals. If the cyst returns and creates a space beneath your skin, you might need surgery to achieve lasting relief. If we close the incision with sutures, we don’t need to pack the wound with gauze.
Another option for potentially reducing the risk of recurring pilonidal cysts is laser hair removal. This prevents hair regrowth and thus eliminates a possible cause of the cysts. You may need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results, and should understand that this is not necessarily beneficial in all cases.
If you’re concerned that you might have one or more pilonidal cysts, don’t wait for the situation to become unbearable before you reach out for help. At Surgical Associates of North Texas, we’re happy to meet with you to determine the source of your symptoms and explore treatment options that align with your needs.
Just give us a call during normal business hours, or try our easy online booking option, which is available around the clock. Relief is possible, so there’s no need to suffer with this common skin condition.
