Pilonidal Cyst and Pilonidal Sinus

A pilonidal cyst is a common skin condition that forms in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. It typically occurs after puberty.

It’s believed to be caused by a combination of changing hormones, hair growth, and friction from clothes or from spending a long time sitting.

It consists of a small hole or tunnel in the skin that may become infected and fill with fluid or pus.

Signs of an infection include:

1. pain when sitting or standing

2. red or sore skin around the area

3. pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor

4. swelling of the cyst

5. hair protruding from the lesion

Conservative treatment

If diagnosed early on and you aren’t experiencing severe pain, and there’s no sign of inflammation, it’s likely that prescribing  a broad-spectrum antibiotic will cause relief. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is an antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacteria. It’s important to realize that this won’t heal the sinus tract, but it will give you relief from the infection and discomfort. You will be recommended for a follow-up examination, regularly remove hair or shave the site, and pay particular attention to hygiene.

Surgical Lancing

This procedure alleviates symptoms from an abscess, or a collection of pus inside the sinus. Before this procedure, you will be given local anesthetic. Thereafter a scalpel is used to open the abscess. The abscess will be cleaned away of any hair, blood, and pus from inside and drained thoroughly.

The wound with then be packed with sterile dressing and allow it to heal from the inside out i.e. the base. The wound usually heals within four weeks, and many people don’t require any further treatment.

Open Surgery

If you have a recurring pilonidal sinus/cyst or if you have more than one sinus tract, a open surgical procedure is recommended.

You will first be given a local anesthetic. Then, the lesions with be opened, removing all of the pus and debris. Once this process is complete, the wound will be stitched and closed.

After surgery, it will be explained as to how to change the dressings and it is recommended to shave the site to prevent hair from growing into the wound.