Symptoms
- Pain and swelling at the top of the buttock crease
- Redness and warmth over the area
- Pus or blood draining from small openings in the skin
- Fever in some infections
- Repeated flare-ups over months or years
Treating an infected pilonidal cyst
An acute abscess is treated by opening and draining it, usually under local anesthesia in the office. This gives rapid pain relief. Antibiotics are sometimes added. Drainage alone often does not prevent future flare-ups.
Call the office or seek care promptly for a rapidly enlarging, very painful swelling, spreading redness or fever.
Talk with Dr. Arsenous about your options.
Surgery for recurrent disease
For cysts that keep coming back, the tract and surrounding diseased tissue are removed. Depending on the extent, the wound may be closed with stitches, closed off to the side of the midline to improve healing, or left open to heal gradually from the inside. Dr. Arsenous will explain the options, the trade-offs in healing time and recurrence, and what wound care each involves.
Recovery and prevention
Recovery depends on the technique. Closed wounds often heal in a few weeks; open wounds take longer and need regular dressing changes. Keeping the area clean and dry and removing hair from the area, for example with laser hair removal, helps lower the chance of recurrence.