What Does a Pilonidal Cyst Look Like?
A pilonidal cyst is a pocket of hair, skin, and other abnormal tissue that forms under the skin. These cysts often form near the tailbone above the cleft of the buttocks, but they may also be present on other parts of the body. Pilonidal cysts are non-cancerous and typically harmless in nature.
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Signs/Symptoms
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Pilonidal cysts may cause no symptoms aside from the small pit where the cyst is located beneath the skin. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected it may swell, leak blood/pus, and turn a dark red color.
Cause
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Most pilonidal cysts are caused when hair curls into the skin and the body responds to the irritation by forming a cyst of skin around the hair. In other cases a hair follicle may rupture inside the skin and the body will form a cyst around the ruptured follicle.
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Who Is At Risk
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Pilonidal cysts develop most often in people who have coarse, thick hair. The risk is increased for obese persons, those with sedentary lifestyles, poor hygiene, and people who sit for long periods of time throughout the day.
Diagnosis
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Pilonidal cysts can be diagnosed by a physician using visual inspection. No specialized tests or bloodwork is necessary.
Treatment
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When treating a pilonidal cyst a doctor will apply a local anesthetic; afterwards, an incision will be made into the cyst to drain the buildup of pus. Finally, the hair and/or other irritants causing the cyst will be removed. The incision is then closed and allowed to heal.
Prognosis
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While some people will have a recurrence later in life, the post-treatment prognosis for pilonidal cysts is generally excellent and most people are permanently cured.
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