There is a lot to be known about Pilonidal Cyst Infection. Not many people know that it can lead to a few serious conditions and problems if they do not take care of it. The risk factors involved are also very common which means that you can prevent the cyst from happening. Pilonidal disease is characterized as usually an area or segment of skin that contains hair and skin debris. You will find this cyst close to the tailbone right at the top of your buttocks. The pilonidal disease occurs when the hair follicle punctures the skin and becomes embedded in it. It can get infected quite easily because it is also one of the most difficult areas to clean.
Also, there is a lot of sweat and moisture that gets accumulated in this area which makes it even more complicated for the person suffering from it. Your doctor can drain out the cyst by making a small cut in the skin and in some cases, you might need surgery to be performed almost immediately. This problem is quite common in young adult males and it may persist if you do not take care of it on time. Also, individuals who have a sitting job or have to sit in enclosed spaces for an extended period of time are at a higher risk of developing this problem.
The following are a few symptoms of a pilonidal cyst infection that you should be aware of:
- Pain in the area where the cyst is developing
- Formation of a zit close to the buttock crease
- Tenderness, swelling, inflammation, and redness of the skin
- A build-up of blood or pus in the infected area
- Pungent smell or odor emanating from the pus
Understanding The Risk Factors / Pilonidal Cyst Causes
The primary causes of this problem are quite diverse.
- When you have loose hair strands close to that area, they might puncture the skin and may become embedded as explained above
- Also, any kind of friction or external pressure may lead to this problem
- If you wear tight clothing or feel any pressure from the excessive rubbing of the skin, you may be at risk of developing a cyst
- Sports activities such as swimming and cycling can force the hair follicle into the skin
- Younger male adults are more prone to this problem
- Being overweight is also a big cause
- If you have an inactive lifestyle, you will highly likely develop some kind of a cyst or a similar problem
- If you sit for a long period of time, it may result in excessive sweating and extra pressure on your hair follicles
- Individuals with thick and stiff body hair develop cysts very easily
The result is that the body creates a cyst that forms around the hair follicle so that it can be pushed out. It is a common problem and people who take care of animals or groom them are very prone to developing a cyst between their fingers too.
Is This Hereditary?
In some cases, pilonidal cysts may be hereditary. For example, if you have a history of pilonidal cyst infection in your family, you may inherit the same problem. For example, rough or thick body hair might run in your family which may put you at risk of a cyst. Likewise, if there is a history of obesity in your family, you will become more prone to getting this cyst between the age of 20 and 35.
Note: A pilonidal cyst is a noncontagious skin condition. There is no need to panic if you have been diagnosed with it. It is more or less like a pimple primarily caused by ingrown hair follicles.
Pregnant Women And Pilonidal Cyst
You will find that these cysts are more common among men of a certain age but they can also happen to pregnant women too. If you experience pain or a strange ache in your buttocks or close to the tailbone, it could be a sign of a pilonidal cyst. If it is not a normal discomfort related to your pregnancy, you should get it diagnosed.
The Need For Surgery
This infection could get worse over time and this is where you might need a pilonidal cyst surgery. It could lead to a sinus cavity formation under your skin which can be very serious. The surgeon may leave the wound open for packing later or close it with a few stitches or a flap of skin taken from a healthy body part. If you decide to get surgery or if the situation calls for that, it is important to take care of the wound 24/7. You will have to make sure that it does not get infected all over again. The patient is expected to keep the area clean and perform hair removal of some sort that does not intervene with their comfort and healing.
Conclusion
You may notice that the pilonidal cyst disappears or just drains out on its own with the passage of time. You might not even need to sweat over it even a bit. There are thousands of cases like that and patients who have had such an experience, consider themselves extremely fortunate. But if the situation persists, and the pain doesn’t subside, it is important to consult a physician without any delay.