Pilonidal cyst

Overview

A Pilonidal cyst is a sac-like growth near the tailbone filled with hair and skin debris. Pilonidal cysts typically develop due to hair penetrating the skin and becoming trapped. If infected, it can cause severe pain.

Treatment is required for pilonidal cysts that cause pain. These cysts can be one-time cysts or recurrent. If left untreated, chronic pilonidal cyst can lead to abscesses and sinus cavities.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a pilonidal cyst may not be present. However, if the cyst becomes infected, the surrounding skin may swell and cause pain. The following are signs of an infected pilonidal cyst:

• Pain on affected area
• Skin inflammation
• Extreme exhaustion
• Fever
• Nausea
• A crater close to the buttocks crease’s top
• A pus drainage from the skin that smells

Consult your doctor if you experience any pilonidal cyst symptoms.

Causes

Most pilonidal cysts are caused by loose hairs that penetrate the skin. Friction and pressure from rubbing, tight clothing, cycling, or extended period of sitting can force the hair into the skin.
To try to push the hair out, the body forms a cyst around it. On the tailbone, pilonidal cysts typically develop.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase the risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Prolonged sitting hours
• Stiff and thick body hair
• Wearing tight clothes
• White and male young adult (between 20 and 35)