Questions and answers

What is a pilonidal sinus tract?

What is a pilonidal sinus tract?

A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, where they divide (the cleft). It does not always cause symptoms and only needs to be treated if it becomes infected.

Is pilonidal sinus serious?

When a pilonidal cyst gets infected, it forms an abscess, eventually draining pus through a sinus. The abscess causes pain, a foul smell, and drainage. This condition is not serious. But, since it is an infection, it can enlarge and become uncomfortable.

Which surgery is best for pilonidal sinus?

While an incision and drainage procedure is typically the first surgical option considered for a pilonidal cyst, your doctor may recommend a cystectomy if:

  • you’ve already had an incision and drainage procedure, but your cyst came back.
  • your infection is very complex or severe.

What happens if a pilonidal sinus goes untreated?

If left untreated, the cyst can drain pus or other fluids, or develop a pilonidal sinus, which is an opening that grows under the skin from the hair follicle. Some of the most common symptoms of a pilonidal cyst infection include skin reddening, pain, and draining of blood or pus.

How do you permanently cure pilonidal sinusitis?

The only way to get rid of a pilonidal cyst is through a minor surgical procedure. But there are a few things you can do at home to ease pain and discomfort in the meantime. Try applying a hot, wet compress to the cyst a few times a day. The heat will help pull out the pus, allowing the cyst to drain.

Can pilonidal sinus be cured without surgery?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may or may not need surgery to remove your pilonidal cyst. There are several other treatment methods available besides surgery, including: Draining the cyst: This procedure can happen right in your provider’s office.

Can you get sepsis from a pilonidal cyst?

Chronic pilonidal disease is often regarded by surgeons as relatively trivial, but it causes prolonged and troublesome sepsis for a group of patients who are young and physically active.

How can I get rid of pilonidal sinus without surgery?

One of the simplest medical treatments of pilonidal sinuses is to shave the sacral area free of hair and to pluck all visible embedded hair in the sinus. There have been several suggestions of applying laser hair removal treatments to this region to decrease the likelihood of further exacerbations.

Should I go to the ER for a pilonidal cyst?

Some people may just experience a bit of a pain when sitting, others may only have some drainage and no pain, still others will be making a trip to the ER or surgeon because they are in excruciating pain. The usual signs of an acute infection are swelling and pain in the tailbone region.

Why does a pilonidal cyst hurt so bad?

A pilonidal cyst can be extremely painful especially when sitting. These cysts are usually caused by a skin infection and they often have ingrown hairs inside.

What causes a pilonidal cyst?

A pilonidal cyst is an abscess that forms on the skin above the coccyx . Its exact causes are uncertain, but doctors and medical researchers believe that most pilonidal cysts arise when hair follicles become lodged in the sensitive area of skin due to friction or constant pressure.

What antibiotic is usually given to relieve a pilonidal cyst?

Now that you understand some of the options for what is the best antibiotic for pilonidal cysts, you will be better prepared to treat mild pilonidal disease in this way. Options include broad-spectrum antibiotics like erythromycin and metronidazole. Flucloxacillin, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, may be used as well.

How do you get a pilonidal cyst?

You can get a pilonidal cyst when a hair gets lodged inside your skin. Friction on the ingrown hair from sitting or rubbing can irritate your skin and cause the cyst to form. Sometimes, these cysts become infected and a pocket of pus called an abscess forms.

How is a pilonidal cyst diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose a pilonidal cyst by first doing a physical examination. A pilonidal cyst looks like a lump, swelling, or abscess at the cleft of the buttock with tenderness, and possibly a draining or bleeding area (sinus).