Help! My Growing Lipoma Is Becoming Irritating
The good news about having a lipoma is that it’s usually not cause for concern and doesn’t require treatment. But if you have a lipoma that’s causing problems, here’s what you can do.
How to Prevent Pilonidal Cysts
A pilonidal cyst is a foreign body reaction to hair in the crease between the buttocks, known as the gluteal cleft. These cysts trigger pain, discomfort, and can have an impact on your day-to-day life. If you’ve had a pilonidal cyst in the past, it’s understandable to want to prevent it from recurring.
Board-certified surgeon Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, FACS, is at the helm here at Surgical Associates of North Texas, providing patients with advanced treatment options for issues such as pilonidal cysts for nearly two decades.
Pilonidal cyst overview
A pilonidal cyst usually shows up right above the tailbone. Often starting as an ingrown hair, the hair can burrow deeper under the skin. Over time, this can trigger inflammation, infection, and eventually a pocket that fills with fluid or pus.
Some cysts may drain on their own, but many grow larger and more painful, indicating that medical care is needed. Left untreated, pilonidal cysts can lead to abscesses or recurring infections that are difficult to manage without surgery.
Why do pilonidal cysts form?
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing pilonidal cysts. Factors that boost your risk include:
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Having coarse or excessive body hair
- Being male (though women can also get them)
- Struggling with excess weight
- Wearing tight clothing that creates friction
These factors increase pressure, sweat, and irritation in the tailbone area, which can set the stage for cysts to form.
Healthy habits that help prevent cysts
You can’t always control whether a pilonidal cyst develops, but lifestyle changes can make a difference.
Keep the area clean and dry
Sweat and bacteria make it easier for cysts to form. Regularly wash the lower back and buttock crease, and dry thoroughly after showers, workouts, or swimming.
Choose clothing wisely
Tight jeans or leggings can rub and trap heat, encouraging irritation. Instead, opt for breathable, looser-fitting fabrics that reduce friction.
Manage hair growth safely
Shaving and plucking can lead to ingrown hairs, but options such as depilatory creams or even laser hair removal can, for some people, help reduce the risk in the long term.
Take breaks from sitting
If you spend hours at a desk or driving, stand up and move around every hour. Even short breaks help ease pressure on the tailbone and improve circulation.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight increases friction and pressure in the area. Shedding even a few pounds can significantly lower your risk of recurring cysts.
When prevention isn’t enough
Despite your best efforts, pilonidal cysts can still occur. If one does, it’s crucial not to ignore it or hope it goes away on its own. Infected cysts can be painful and may spread infection if left untreated.
Dr. deVilleneuve provides surgical solutions tailored to each patient. For many, surgical removal of the cyst provides the most reliable way to stop the cycle of recurrence and restore long-term comfort.
Freedom from pilonidal cysts recurrence
Preventing the recurrence of pilonidal cysts can free you from the cycle of pain and discomfort. Dr. deVilleneuve carefully evaluates each patient to determine if surgical removal is the right option for you.
Having a trusted specialist ready to help makes all the difference. To learn more and to request an appointment, call our McKinney, Texas, practice today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How Can I Put an End To Chronic Pilonidal Cysts?
One pilonidal cyst can be painful enough, but it’s even worse when it becomes a recurring problem. Sound familiar? If you have chronic pilonidal cysts, you need expert treatment to solve the issue. Read on to learn more.
4 Important Questions To Ask Your General Surgeon Before Hernia Surgery
Do you have a hernia repair on the horizon? If so, read on to learn some questions you should ask your surgeon before you undergo your procedure. These questions can help prepare you for your procedure and also help ensure the best outcome.
When Does a Lipoma Require Medical Intervention?
Lipomas typically involve fatty lumps of tissue. However, even though they’re often harmless, they can sometimes require medical attention. If you have a lipoma, here’s what you should know.
4 Ways To Ensure a Strong Recovery After Gallbladder Surgery
Do you need your gallbladder removed? Your surgeon can often use laparoscopic techniques to make the procedure less invasive. But, it’s still surgery, so it can take some time to fully recover. Here are some steps you can take to support the process.
5 Encouraging Facts About Hernias
You’ve likely heard the word “hernia” before, but do you know what it means? And should you be worried if you have one? Read on to learn more about this common problem — you may be surprised by what you discover.