How Do I Get Rid of A Pilonidal Cyst

There is a common cyst you can get at the base of your tailbone called a pilonidal cyst. While this cyst isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be quite uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are treatment options for a pilonidal cyst, including surgery. In this article, we will discuss the different ways you can get rid of your pilonidal cyst for good. 

What is a pilonidal cyst?

A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin. Typically, they can almost always be found located near the tailbone at the top of the crack in the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts are usually caused by an ingrown hair. If the cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is often extremely painful. Essentially, it looks and feels like a large red pimple at the bottom of your tailbone. 

Who can get pilonidal cysts?

Anyone can get a pilonidal cyst; however, they are more common in men than in women. This particular type of cyst is more common in people who sit a lot of the time, including truck drivers and people with office jobs that demand they sit for extended periods of time. 

Symptoms of Pilonidal Cyst

When it's infected, a pilonidal cyst becomes a swollen mass (abscess). The signs and symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include:

  • Pain

  • Reddening of the skin

  • Drainage of pus or blood from an opening in the skin

  • Bad smell, as a result of the pus

  • Tenderness to the touch

  • Fever  

Pilonidal Cyst Treatment

The preferred form of treatment for an infected pilonidal cyst is usually a surgical procedure that can be performed in your colorectal specialist’s office. During pilonidal cyst surgery, your doctor will:

  1. Numb the area with an injected anesthesia. 

  2. Then, he or she makes a small incision to drain the cyst and remove it. 

  3. After pilonidal cyst removal, your doctor will either opt to leave the wound open and cover with bandaging or close the wound with stitches. 

Be sure to consult your colorectal specialist about methods of treatment for pilonidal cysts. If you need pilonidal cyst removal in Tampa, you are in good hands with the colorectal specialists at Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay.