Pilonidal Cyst Treatment
How to prevent getting pilonidal cysts?
- Cleaning and drying your buttocks regularly to keep the area clean.
- If you’re overweight, trying to lose some weight can reduce the risk of getting pilonidal cysts.
- Avoid sitting for a long time to relieve pressure on the area.
- Consider utilizing a hair removal product for your buttocks area to prevent ingrown hairs.
What can I do to feel better from pilonidal cyst infection?
Redness, swelling, and discomfort may not be very extreme early on in a pilonidal cyst infection. Without getting help from a medical professional, you might be able to ease symptoms from pilonidal cyst that is only mildly infected at home. You might consider trying:
- Soak in a warm bath to relieve any discomfort. In some cases, a pilonidal cyst may burst and drain on its own in this approach.
- Use over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed.
- Keep the cyst and its surroundings dry and clean.
Pilonidal cyst treatment
Pilonidal cyst is not able to be resolved by pilonidal cyst antibiotics. However, doctors can try a wide range of procedures. Here are a few possibilities:
- Incision and drainage: This is the most common way to get rid of pilonidal cysts and normally is the first approach by the colorectal surgeon. The pilonidal cysts surgeon has to cut the cyst open and drain it. Once the doctors make sure the cut is clean, they will wrap it up with surgical gauze. The pros of this pilonidal cyst treatment are the procedure itself is uncomplicated, and only the area of the cut needs to be numbed by anesthesia. The cons are the patient will be instructed to change surgical gauze often until the cut fully heals. It takes up to 3 weeks to heal completely.
- Marsupialization: The pilonidal cyst doctor will create a cut and drain the cyst during this treatment, removing any hair and pus that may be left. They will stitch the cut and wound edges together to create a pouch. The pros are this is an outpatient procedure performed under an anesthetic. Besides, the procedure reduces the need for daily gauze replacement because the cut is even smaller. The cons are the cut will take up to 6 weeks to heal fully and the patient needs a specialized doctor to perform Marsupialization.
- Incision, drainage, and wound closure: This procedure is similar to the first treatment. However, the colorectal surgeon will not leave the cut open to heal its own. Since your doctor closes the wound straight away after surgery, you don’t need to replace the gauze for the cut. The cons are it’s possible that pilonidal cyst complications in the future. This procedure makes it more difficult to get rid of pilonidal cyst completely. Also, this treatment required a professionally trained surgeon to perform in a surgical operating room.
Recovery from pilonidal cyst surgery
When it comes to at-home care, adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions, especially if you need to remove and replace surgical gauze.
- Try to maintain the cut area hygienically.
- Look for any redness, pus, or discomfort that could indicate a new infection.
- Do not miss any follow-up sessions with your doctor so they can monitor the healing process of your cyst.
- Remember a pilonidal cyst can be removed by surgery. However, it is still possible for pilonidal cyst to return.
What is the best treatment for pilonidal cysts?
Whether the pilonidal cyst you are suffering from is inflamed or infected, there is a variety of treatments. Your colorectal doctor will diagnose the situation to see what’s best for you. Treatments include 1. Antibiotics for pilonidal cyst infection. However, pilonidal cyst is not able to be fully resolved by pilonidal cyst antibiotic treatment. 2. Draining the cyst: When the cyst has softened, grown larger, and is tender which may be pus under the skin. The doctor will make a small cut for the cyst to drain and seal the cut with gauze to help with healing. 3. If the swelling and infections keep happening, it will be necessary to consider surgery to remove the cyst. The cyst may be drained, excised, and stitched up during pilonidal cyst surgery.
Will a pilonidal cyst go away on its own?
Pilonidal cysts occasionally drain and go away by themselves. The symptoms of chronic pilonidal cysts may come and go from time to time. You might be able to soothe the symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst with time and at-home pilonidal cyst treatment. However, trying to get rid of the cyst itself is a different matter. It’s beneficial to know the facts regarding at-home care for pilonidal cyst might help you decide whether it’s time to seek medical attention for your condition.
What happens if you leave pilonidal cyst untreated?
You can see increased swelling and redness surrounding your pilonidal cyst if it is infected. An infected pilonidal cyst can cause fever, nausea, and vomiting. A pilonidal cyst might happen once. However, if your acute pilonidal cyst is not treated properly, it could turn into a chronic illness that results in recurring pilonidal cysts or the growth of another pilonidal cyst. A pilonidal cyst is not life-threatening itself. If you leave your pilonidal cyst untreated, your risk of getting a chronic infection that could be fatal.
Beverly Hills Board-certified Pilonidal Cyst Surgeon
If you are currently suffering pain from pilonidal cyst, schedule your appointment with Dr. Kamrava today to relieve the pain. Dr. Kamrava has years of experience helping his patients with all colorectal conditions. He and his team strive to provide to most compassionate medical care. Contact us at (424) 279-8222.
