Skin diseases A to Z

Pilonidal disease - is a cyst that grows along tailbone near where it splits buttocks. These cysts usually contain hair and skin debris. Pilonidal term is derived from the Latin words pilus (hair) and nidus (nest). People with a pilonidal cyst may not have any symptoms, while others may develop a cyst infection associated with pain and inflammation. Pilonidal cyst treatment and management depends on many factors, including the presence and extent of disease symptoms. Recurrence of pilonidal cysts is common.

Pilonidal disease - Signs, symptoms and causes

- Although there are many theories, most researchers believe that pilonidal cysts are caused by penetration of the hair in the skin. In response to this hair incarnate work using a local inflammatory reaction that causes a cyst around the hair. Excessive pressure or repetitive trauma to the sacrococcygeal predispose some individuals to develop cysts or irritate them already existing ones.

In the case in which it becomes infected pilonidal cyst the following signs and symptoms may develop:
pain over the lower spine,
redness,
Heat skin
localized swelling over the lower spine,
pus draining from an opening in the skin (sinus tract) on the lower spine,
fever (uncommon).

Pilonidal disease - Treatment

A pilonidal cyst is infected abscess requiring incision and drainage in order the recover. This procedure can be generally performed in a doctor's office or emergency department. After anesthesia of the area with an injection of a local anesthetic, an incision with a scalpel is on the infected area. Your doctor will drain pus and then remove hairs and any other debris from the wound. Then the wound is bandaged with gauze and allowed to heal. Antibiotics,, generally not required unless your doctor thinks you have a skin infection spreading (cellulitis). Pain medications are often prescribed.