Pilonidal cysts occur as painful sacs containing hair near the tailbone. These result from embedding hair and debris beneath the skin. If it occurs repeatedly, or if there are certain complications, surgery may be necessary.”
Pilonidal cyst cysts often include hair, dust, and unusable skin that may appear trapped under the skin. When inflamed, they are capable of full-sized, targeted pain, swelling, redness, and even discharge of pus or blood.
Pilonidal cysts affect every woman and man, but are more common in young men. Even if they are regularly small, they can grow to form a painful abscess or persistent infection if left untreated. Some cases remain asymptomatic, but others result in persistent pain that affects daily existence and often require pilonidal cyst excision.
What causes pilonidal cysts?
Pilonidal cysts appear when unattached hairs penetrate the pores and skin and trigger the body’s inflammatory response. As the body tries to expel the ingrown hair, a cyst may form.
Factors contributing to their causes include:
- Ingrown hairs: The maximum unusual cause includes hairs penetrating the pores and skin, often in the sacrococcygeal area. Loose hairs can puncture the pores and skin and cause cysts to form. Hair is often found inside these cysts during surgical removal.
- Friction and pressure: Activities such as prolonged sitting, cycling, or wearing tight clothing can cause inflammation in the coccyx. This repeated stress increases the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Hormonal changes: Pilonidal cysts usually appear after puberty, suggesting a link to hormonal fluctuations. Increased hair growth and pore and sebum production during this level can contribute to cyst formation.
- Poor hygiene: Inadequate cleaning of the site can also allow dead skin, hair, and debris to settle, making the cyst more likely to improve.
- Trauma or skin irritation: Injury to the sacrococcygeal area may cause inflammation, cause cyst enhancement, or require an existing cyst.
So when does a pilonidal cyst require surgery?
They’re generally really tiny and symptomless, so they don’t really go in for surgery. However, excision of pilonidal cyst becomes necessary in the following situations:
- Recurrent infection: If the cyst becomes infected repeatedly and causes pain, swelling, and discharge, surgery may be recommended to remove it completely.
- Chronic sinus tracts: Some cysts form sinus tracts—tunnel-like systems under the pores and skin that could cause ongoing drainage and discomfort. Surgery is regularly required to save yourself further headaches.
- Abscess formation: An inflamed pilonidal cyst can form a painful abscess, a pocket of pus that requires drainage. If abscesses persist in shape, surgical elimination becomes key.
- Failure of conservative treatment: If nonsurgical means including antibiotics, warm compresses, or lancing do not resolve the cyst, excision pilonidal cyst may be necessary.
Types of pilonidal cyst excision surgery:
There are different kinds of surgery for different classes of pilonidal cyst removal: easy, complicated or extensive. The health care provider will suggest the most effective surgical procedure primarily based on the cases of a man or a woman.
1. Incision and drainage
This is the ultimate primary process, often accomplished under ambient anesthesia. The doctor will make a small incision to drain the cyst and provide temporary relief. However, recurrence is possible because the cyst lining remains intact.
2. Excision with open wound healing
In this method, the cyst and surrounding tissue are completely removed. The wound is left open to heal apparently from the inside out. This method, however, takes a lot of time to heal, minimizes recurrence extremely well, provided that proper follow-up is done.
3. Excision with simple closure
After excision of the cyst, the wound is closed by stitches. This method provides faster healing but has a barely higher risk of recurrence compared to open filling.
4. Minimally invasive surgery
Some advanced options, which include endoscopic pilonidal sinus therapy (EPSiT), use a small digital camera and instruments to remove the cyst with minimal scarring and faster healing. However, this selection does not have to be extensive.
Postoperative recovery and care
Proper follow-up care is important for successful recovery after excision of a pilonidal cyst. Recovery varies primarily depending on the process completed, but the following are standard suggestions:
A. Wound care
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. If you are undergoing an open recovery, it is essential to keep the wound smooth and change the dressings frequently. For closure number one, avoid applying pressure to the area until the stitches dissolve or are removed.
B. Pain management
Mild pain and soreness is a common publication-surgery. Pain control using ibuprofen-type nonprescription medication
C. Activity modifications
Avoid prolonged sitting or high-stress sports throughout recovery to avoid stressing the surgical site.
D. Hair removal
Regular hair removal around the surgical site can prevent recurrence. Options include shaving, depilatory waters and laser hair removal depending on personal choice and professional advice.
E. Follow-up visits
This ensures that the recovery from surgery proceeds as scheduled and facilitates prompt intervention.
Prevention of pilonidal cysts
While pilonidal cysts are usually unavoidable, adopting the following habits can reduce your chances:
- Maintain proper hygiene: The cleanliness and dryness of the region of the coccyx provide minimum accumulation of dirt and minimize the possible contamination.
- Do not sit for long periods of time: If most of your lifestyle involves sitting, you should take regular breaks as it decreases pressure around the coccyx.
- Epilation: Consider routine epilation when you have a history of pilonidal cysts. Consulting a dermatologist about long-term solutions such as laser hair removal may be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Healthy body weight can lower friction at the area and decrease the opportunities for cyst development.
Conclusion
Pilonidal cysts can be annoying and bothersome, but knowing their causes and remedy alternatives allows us to take proactive steps closer to better health.
