|
Pilonidal Disease is an acute infection in the skin a little above the crease between the buttocks. It forms into a cyst at the top of or by the side of the crease between the buttocks. The cyst may appear like a small pit. Hair may grow from the cyst and there could be an increase in the number of cysts. Due to its location, a Pilonidal cyst makes normal day-to-day activities like sitting or walking painful. Pus or blood may erupt from the cyst in a few cases.
Causes of a Pilonidal cyst -
Previously, it was understood that Pilonidal cysts were similar to congenital defects and were present at birth. However, now experts opine that there could be three different ways in which a Pilonidal cyst may be formed. Some are congenital, present at birth.
Certain exercises like riding on a horse, cycling, swimming may stretch the hair follicle near the buttocks and give rise to Pilonidal cyst. Wearing very tight clothes around the buttocks, heat, sweating may also lead to stretching of the hair follicle. This hair follicle gets blocked and infected. There is inflammation and ultimately, it breaks into the adjoining tissue, forming a lump.
Some people have very rough hair. A strand of hair may get caught in the crease of the buttocks. The hair can hurt the skin, in case the hair follicle is already stretched or irritated. More hair can get in to the skin due to continuous walking and long exercises. A cyst is developed surrounding the hair and can get infected.
Symptoms of Pilonidal cyst -
Pilonidal disease may not have any symptoms at all. There may be redness or inflammation near the top of the crease of your buttocks. A foul smelling fluid or blood may drip from the infected cyst. The infected person may experience difficulty in walking or running.
Diagnosis of Pilonidal cyst -
The doctor diagnoses Pilonidal disease by physically examining the infected area. There may be swelling or redness near the crease of the buttocks. Further tests are not required.
Treatment of Pilonidal cyst -
The doctor may give antibiotics to cure the cyst and ask to use antibacterial soap. The area near the buttocks should be kept clean with the help of an antiseptic lotion twice or thrice in a day. In extreme case, a minor operation may be performed to remove the cyst. Most people get cured after the infected cyst is cut opened and cleaned.
Home Remedies for pilonidal cyst -
- Always keep yourself clean and dry.
- Wear clean cotton undergarments. Choose the right size of your undergarment and clothing. Do not wear very tight clothes.
- The crease near the buttocks should be freed from hair by using a hair removing lotion of mild type.
- Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for a very long time.
- Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and soak your self in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes several times in a day. Do not use bubble bath for soaking.
|
