What is it?
Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection that develops in the crease between the buttocks. If you have pilonidal disease, you will have one or more cysts, between your buttocks, that may become swollen or infected. A pilonidal cyst looks like a small dimple and it may have hair sticking out from it.
What are the symptoms?
When it’s infected, a pilonidal cyst becomes a swollen mass (abscess). Signs and symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include:
- Pain.
- Reddening of the skin.
- Drainage of pus or blood from an opening in the skin.
- Foul smell from draining pus.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with pilonidal cyst, you can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor after the initial treatment:
- Pilonidal cyst can be managed by antibiotics and/or surgically. You can ask your GP for recommendations as to what is the best treatment for your case.
- If treatment is successful, how can you prevent recurrence?
- Some lifestyle changes may help lessen your risk of developing the condition. What lifestyle changes is best suited for you?
In addition to treatment by your doctor you can try the following things:
- Painkillers might help in relieving pain and fever.