If you have a painful lump or bump near the end of your tailbone, right at the top of your buttocks crease, it could be a pilonidal cyst, a pocket of fluid, hair, and debris that causes considerable discomfort, particularly when you sit or apply pressure to the area. Without proper care, a pilonidal cyst can become infected, increasing your risk of more widespread problems.
While just about anyone can develop a pilonidal cyst, they tend to be more common among people with specific risk factors. In this post, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, reviews five of the most common risk factors that play a role in cyst development.
Pilonidal cysts often involve hair follicles that become trapped, resulting in ingrown hair and subsequent infection. If you have excess body hair around your lower back or if your hair is especially coarse, cysts are more likely to form.
Pilonidal cysts tend to be more common among males, possibly because males also tend to have more body hair or coarser body hair compared to females. In fact, data show men are 2.2 times more likely to have pilonidal cysts compared to women.
Sitting for long periods of time at work or during leisure hours puts pressure on the tailbone area, leading to ingrown hairs or follicles becoming trapped in the skin fold. Continual pressure in the area increases the risk of irritation and inflammation that eventually lead to cyst development.
Carrying extra pounds also increases the risk of pilonidal cysts, once again due to increased pressure and compression in the tailbone area. Added weight increases friction and irritation that can lead to cyst formation, and it can also make it more difficult to practice good hygiene in the area, making it easier for germs to cause an infection.
Finally, if you have a close family member with a history of pilonidal cysts, you may be more likely to develop a cyst. While researchers don’t know why this link exists, it might be due to inherited body shape or other hereditary issues. Knowing your family history can help you take steps to prevent cysts, like keeping the buttocks crease area clean.
Pilonidal cysts typically require drainage to remove the fluid and debris if trapped inside the cyst pocket. Draining a cyst involves making a small incision over the pocket, which also allows Dr. Tarlowe to clean the area and remove debris for better healing.
In some instances, surgery is needed to remove the cyst. Sometimes, the incision is closed immediately, but other times, Dr. Tarlowe leaves the incision open but packed with sterile gauze. This latter approach can result in better long-term results, but the technique he recommends for your cyst will be based on individual factors to ensure you enjoy the best outcome.
If you have a pilonidal cyst or if you suspect you may have one, early treatment is important for relieving pain and preventing more serious, widespread infection. To learn more about cyst treatment, call our office at 954-210-7127 today or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
