Pilonidal Cyst

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A pilonidal (peye-loh-NI-dl) cyst is a small skin sac, or pocket, under the skin. This sac may grow near the bottom of the spine, and may contain hair. It is more common in young men but anyone can get a pilonidal cyst. This cyst usually looks like a small hole or dimple in the skin with a few hairs coming out.

Causes: Pilonidal cysts are usually caused by ingrown hair in the folds of the skin. Hair may become ingrown because of friction (rubbing) or irritation near the bottom of the spine. The friction causes hair to dig into the skin and get trapped there. Pilonidal cysts may become infected, and cause an abscess (AB-ses). An abscess is a localized collection of pus in a cavity or pocket.

Signs and Symptoms: Your skin may hurt and look red and swollen if the cyst fills with pus and becomes infected. You may have yellow or white drainage coming from the cyst. You may also have a higher than normal body temperature (fever).

Care: If the cyst is infected, it may need to be opened to drain the pus and to remove trapped hairs. You may also need to learn when and how to correctly clean the area, and change your bandages. You may also need surgery to remove the cyst if the infection does not get better, or if it returns. If you have surgery to drain or remove the cyst, you may need to take antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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