Pilonidal cyst or pilonidal cyst is a skin lump that appears near the tailbone, precisely in the upper part of the buttocks. These lumps contain flakes of hair follicles and skin.
Pilonidal cyst is a rare disease. This condition is more common in young men who often sit for too long, for example those who work as drivers.
Pilonidal cysts are often caused by hairs that don't grow outward.ingrown hair) to form a lump. These cysts can become infected and painful. If left untreated, this infection can lead to complications.
Pilonidal Cyst Symptoms
A pilonidal cyst will look like a pimple above the cleft of the buttocks. It is located about 4-8 cm above the anal canal. These lumps often go unnoticed because they usually don't cause bothersome symptoms. However, when infected, a number of the following symptoms can be felt by sufferers:
- Cystic lumps are swollen and reddish in color
- The lump is warm and painful to the touch
- Discharge of pus or blood that smells bad when the cyst bursts
- Pain in the lower back
- Fever
When to go to the doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst as mentioned above. Treatment by a doctor is needed to prevent complications.
Infection with pilonidal cysts may recur. This condition can increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, consult a doctor during treatment, to minimize the risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Causes and Factors RiPilonidal Cyst
The exact cause of pilonidal cysts is not known. But in most cases, the appearance of the cyst is preceded by hair that does not grow outward (growing inside). This condition is called ingrown hair.
Besides ingrown hair, experts also argue that pilonidal cysts can occur as a result of repeated injury to the groin area and tailbone area. For example, in those who often drive on bad roads.
Pilonidal cysts can happen to anyone. However, this disorder is more common in people who have the following conditions:
- Male gender.
- 15 to 24 years old.
- Obesity.
- Have a sedentary lifestyle and often sit for too long.
- People with thick body hair and stiff or coarse hair texture.
- People who often carry heavy objects.
- Has a small depression in the skin above the cleavage of the buttocks since birth.
- Producing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
- Have a family with a similar condition.
Pilonidal Cyst Diagnosis
In diagnosing a pilodinal cyst, the doctor will ask the patient's complaints and symptoms. Then, the doctor will also trace the history of the disease suffered by the patient and his family members. Next, a physical examination is done by looking at and touching the skin of the cyst lump area.
Investigations are rarely performed, unless the patient has a severe infection. In this condition, blood tests and X-rays are generally chosen as the type of investigation.
Pilonidal Cyst Treatment
Treatment is needed when pilonidal cysts are bothersome or become infected. Here are the stages of treatment that can be done:
Self-medication at home
Initial treatment for pilonidal cysts can be done at home to reduce pain and discomfort. Actions that can be taken are:
- Warm compresses to the cyst area or soak in warm water.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol.
- Keep the cyst lump always clean and dry, for example by changing clothes frequently when sweating.
- Always sit on a soft place.
- Apply essential oils, such as tea tree oil, on the lump cyst.
Even though it looks like a pimple, don't try to squeeze or pop the cyst. The reason is, this action can actually increase the risk of infection and the formation of scars in the area where the cyst grows.
Minor surgical procedures
Treatment by a doctor is necessary if the cyst is infected. The treatment option to be performed is surgery. The doctor will make a small incision in the cyst lump to remove the pus and hair inside. To do this, the doctor will first anesthetic the area around the cyst.
Patients are advised to keep the surgical wound clean after surgery. Patients are also advised to check for signs of infection and have regular check-ups with the doctor to monitor the wound healing process.
Pilonidal Cyst Complications
If left untreated, pilonidal cysts can cause the following complications:
- Formation of an abscess (an inflammatory cavity filled with pus)
- Pilonidal cysts reappear
- The infection spreads to other parts of the body
- Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer
Please note, severe complications to become cancer generally occur when these cysts have experienced repeated (chronic) infections.
Pilonidal Cyst Prevention
Always keep the area around the buttocks clean and dry is an important step to prevent pilonidal cysts from forming. In addition, try to prevent the appearance of ingrown hair and avoid risk factors for the occurrence of these cysts. Ways that can be done are:
- Shave if excess hair grows around the buttocks.
- If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, try getting up and taking a short walk every hour.
- Keep your weight within the ideal range.
- Try not to carry heavy objects too often.
- Avoid wearing clothes or pants that are too tight.