A pilonidal cyst is a sac of skin debris and hair that often occurs in the region of the tailbone right at the top of the buttocks. At times, your cyst may be painful as well, particularly when it gets infected. You can easily consult a doctor if you have a pilonidal disease. He will drain the pus out of the skin by making a small cut into it. If it gets severe, your physician may even ask you to go for surgery.
How common is it among the people?
A pilonidal disease is more common in males than in females. It usually happens in adult men who have no option but to sit for long hours at work. A pilonidal disease can happen due to friction in the region of that ingrown hair, particularly –
- at the time of sitting
- or in case it gets rubbed due to some reason.
This will eventually cause irritation in your skin. As a result, you will get a cyst. Also, people with thick and stiff hair all over the body are more likely to get a pilonidal cyst.
How to prevent a pilonidal cyst?
The best way to ensure that you do not get a pilonidal cyst once again is to avoid sitting at a single location for a long span of time. Take note that you aren’t putting constant pressure on the portions of your body where the cyst is more likely to develop!
However, taking a quick walk between your work can solve the issue. Carrying excess weight can also contribute to one of the reasons for developing a pilonidal cyst infection.
Besides, you must consider removing the hair in your buttocks region from time to time. This will help to prevent the development of a cyst in that body part. Last but not the least, keep the region clean and dry from time to time.
How will you treat a pilonidal cyst?
Seeing a doctor at the earliest is the most effective way to treat a pilonidal cyst. A pilonidal sinus surgery is certainly one of the best ways to get the pus drained out of the region.
A doctor will usually start the procedure by numbing the area with the help of local anesthesia. He will then make a small incision on that cyst to drain away all the pus and debris hidden within it.
As soon as it is done, your surgeon will wrap the entire area with the use of sterile gauze or just close it with stitches. Always consider keeping the wound care instructions in your mind. This will help you to stay aware of how to deal with the trouble.