Effect of pilonidal cyst

When there’s growth on your tailbone, this is called a pilonidal cyst. This may get infected and will contain pus. When the growth is filled with fluid, it resembles a huge pimple.

Men are most commonly affected with this medical condition than women. Furthermore, it occurs within young individuals up to their forties.

When the growth becomes infected, it is referred to as pilonidal abscess.

A lot of specialists think that the cyst is a result of ingrown hairs. This is due to the term, “pilonidal”, which indicates nest of hair. Hence, hair follicles are commonly located within the growth. On the other hand, it has been theorized that this is due to an injury within the sacrococcygeal region. This area is associated with the sacrum and the coccyx.

For a short period of time, this malady has been referred to as the “Jeep disease”. This occurred during the Second World War, when over 80,000 soldiers have been affected with pilonidal cyst. Several individuals speculated that the development is caused by irritation due to the soldiers’ bumpy Jeeps.

When you develop a cyst, you will likely experience the following:

pain or discomfort at the end of your spine
a boil will develop within that painful spot
the growth will turn red, and may contain pus
fever

When your pilonidal cyst turns into an abscess, the pus has to be drained. Do not think that it can be treated by taking in antibiotics. The best thing that you can do is to consult with a specialist. This goes especially when swelling becomes painful and red, and you have a fever.

When you can’t bear the pain anymore, you will have to go to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your specialist will know what is wrong with you by reviewing your medical history. He or she will also inquire about the symptoms that you are experiencing. Then a series of physical tests will be performed on you.

Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, you will be provided with medical treatment. You will undergo simple medical procedures like incision and draining of the swelling. The hair follicles are removed, and the opening is covered with gauze. This will help prevent further infection. Another procedure is marsupialization. When you undergo this type of surgical procedure, the swelling is incised. The pus and the hairs are removed. This is followed by the sewing of the tract edges to the edges of the wound, resembling a pouch. On the other hand, there are some doctors who perform incision and drainage, followed by immediate wound closure. The good thing about this procedure is that the wound is closed right away without the need of gauze. However, the risk of recurrence is high.

During the early stage of the growth, you may not require a surgical procedure. The most common home remedy is sitting in a tub of warm water. This will help reduce the discomfort, swelling and pain.