Pilondial cysts are most prevalent amongst girls and boys in their adolescent and teen years. Because of the sweat that collects in their hair follicles, athletes and children are treated most often. Pilonidal cysts are abnormal pockets or sacs in the skin and most commonly occur near the tailbone, at the top of the buttocks crease.
Pilonidal cysts typically occur when hair penetrates the skin, becoming embedded and possibly infected. If the cyst becomes infected, the abscess that can result can be extremely painful. While young men most commonly get these cysts, they can occur in anyone.
People who wear tight clothing or sit for prolonged periods of time, you may have an increased risk for these types of cysts. There are also many other factors that can increase someone’s risk of getting a pilonidal cyst, including:
• Being inactive
• Being obese
• Having poor hygiene
• Having coarse or stiff body hair
The best way to know if you have a pilonidal cyst is to visit your doctor for an examination. If left untreated, the cyst can drain pus or other fluids, or develop a pilonidal sinus, which is an opening that grows under the skin from the hair follicle. Some of the most common symptoms of a pilonidal cyst infection include skin reddening, pain, and draining of blood or pus. Any of these symptoms will require treatment. However, if you do not have any symptoms from the cyst, you may not need any treatment.
If you do need treatment for your cyst, it can be done at your doctor’s office or in a same day surgery center. Your doctor will numb the area, make an incision, and then drain the cyst. You may also be given antibiotics to ensure that the infection does not spread.
For more information on pilonidal cysts in kids and how to properly treat them, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates in Orange County, California.