Some parts of your body are just easier to see and reach than others. That’s why so many people who develop a pilonidal cyst fail to seek treatment until the condition worsens.
At Surgical Associates of North Texas, we encourage you to reach out to our McKinney, Texas, office anytime you notice a change in your skin. Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, has the skills and experience to determine if you need professional care for a cyst or other skin issue.
Let’s look at what pilonidal cysts are, how they develop, and what we can do to help you find lasting relief.
A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket of skin that forms at the top of your buttocks near your tailbone, although they can also develop anywhere along the crease of your buttocks. These cysts are far more common in men than in women, but women have a slightly elevated risk of developing a pilonidal cyst when pregnant.
Round in shape, these cysts most often occur when a hair becomes trapped within the skin (ingrown hair). An infection develops as bacteria, dead skin cells, and other skin debris accumulates within the clogged pore.
Researchers believe that the body forms a cyst around trapped hair in an effort to push it from the skin. Because the skin along the buttocks crease is pushed together throughout the day, it’s less taut than in other areas of the body, which can make it harder for trapped hairs to exit.
People can experience a single pilonidal cyst or have trouble with recurring cysts. Some remain small and cause no clear symptoms, while others enlarge and are painful. When symptoms are present, they might include:
Because of the location of pilonidal cysts, many people feel self-conscious about seeking medical attention. But it’s important to care for these skin abnormalities to prevent a more serious infection.
Your treatment path depends on how advanced your cyst is and the degree of symptoms. One of the first things Dr. deVilleneuve might try is a simple draining procedure. This involves creating a small cut to allow accumulated fluid to drain from the cyst.
An injection of an acidic chemical compound called phenol might help shrink the cyst and prevent recurrence. If infection is present, you may need to take a course of antibiotics. Laser therapy is sometimes helpful in preventing future cysts by eliminating hair growth in the area, but is not successful enough in everyone to be considered a routine recommendation.
If you’ve had multiple cysts in the same area, your skin might have formed a cavity that would allow new cysts to easily develop. In this case, surgical removal might be the best treatment approach. If that is what is decided on, the procedure is a simple outpatient surgery done at the surgery center under anesthesia.
We explain what to do to care for the site on your own. Following these guidelines is an essential part of healthy healing, so ask any questions as they arise.
If you’re concerned about pain or swelling in this area of your body, schedule a visit with us at Surgical Associates of North Texas. We’ll examine the area and let you know how to proceed. Booking your visit is as easy as a quick phone call, and we also offer online booking.
