What is it about ?
A pilonidal cyst (or sinus) is a pocket in the intergluteal fold, caused by hairs that are trapped in the subcutaneous tissue. Often a kind of “tunnel” forms between the pocket and the outside, so that a hole or narrowing is visible in the skin. This is called a fistula. The pouch can easily become infected, creating a painful abscess that comes back frequently. A pilonidal sinus can contain hair.
What is its frequency?
Pilonidal sinus is common, especially in people who are overweight, have a hairy intergluteal fold and who work a lot in a sitting position (like truck drivers), usually between the ages of 15 and 30.
How to recognize it?
If you have an abscess, you feel a pressing pain in the intergluteal fold, especially when sitting. You may feel a slight swelling. Sometimes the skin around the abscess is red and hot. Due to its location in the intergluteal fold, the abscess can easily come back.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will make the diagnosis of pilonidal sinus after a simple observation.
What can you do ?
Ensure good hygiene of the intergluteal fold. Remove the lint left by the clothes as well as the skin dandruff (called dander). Avoid gaining too much weight. If you have a sedentary job, get up and walk as much as you can. A suitable chair can reduce the pressure on the intergluteal fold. Weight loss and waxing can also prevent the abscess from coming back.
What can your doctor do?
The doctor will cut the abscess under local anesthesia and remove impurities and dead tissue. Usually, antibiotics are not needed unless the surrounding tissue is heavily infected. After the procedure, the wound is left open and rinsed twice a day. In the case of a deep wound, the home nurse applies a wick that absorbs the liquid that comes out of the wound (exudate). If the abscess comes back often, the general practitioner will refer you to a surgeon.
Want to know more?
Source