Pilonidal cyst
A pilonidal cyst is a pocket under the skin that mainly contains hair and scaly layers of skin. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the coccyx, above the dividing line of the buttocks
A pilonidal cyst usually develops when an ingrown hair pierces the skin and then turns back. If the pilonidal cyst becomes infected, a purulent abscess develops, which is very painful The cyst can be drained or surgically excised through a small incision
A pilonidal cyst is most common in young men and the problem may recur People who sit for long periods of time, such as drivers, are at a higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.
There is controversy about what causes a pilonidal cyst Most of the time, a cyst is caused by a loose hair strand that pierces the skin Friction and pressure on the skin, tight clothing, prolonged cycling, prolonged sitting may be associated with ingrown hairs. The body perceives the inverted hair as foreign and forms a cyst around it
This assumption does not explain the rare cases where pilonidal cysts appear in other parts of the body than the coccyx. For example, fur pickers often develop pilonidal cysts between their toes
Another possible explanation is that a pilonidal cyst develops by stretching the deeper layers of the skin, causing the hair follicle to rupture. A hair follicle is the structure from which hair grows A cyst then forms around the follicle
If the pilonidal cyst becomes infected, an abscess develops Signs and symptoms of an abscess include:
- Pain
- Redness of the skin
- Pus or blood coming out of the skin
- Foul smell due to pus
When to consult a doctor If Diagnosis can be made by examining the lesion
