Pilonidal cysts occur as a result of hair getting into the deeper layers of your skin, becoming trapped. This hair then rubs together, further irritating the area and causing dead skin to become entrapped along with the hair.

While anyone can develop a pilonidal cyst, they’re more common in younger adults. Other risk factors include:

• Sitting for excessive amounts of time.
• Male gender.
• Being hairy.
• Having coarse body hair.

Often times, people don’t seek treatment for pilonidal cysts, even though they can be managed and treated with proper care. If you suspect you’ve developed a pilonidal cyst, speak with the friendly staff at Dr. Farrow’s offices to learn about your treatment options. 

When the entrapped hair and skin becomes infected, it can become quite painful and irritated. In addition, the area can become red and inflamed, and may even start to emit foul-smelling pus or bloody fluid. 

The area often becomes swollen and tender, making it difficult to sit on. These symptoms, in addition to being uncomfortable and painful, may feel embarrassing to deal with. Pilonidal cysts usually first present as an abscess or a recurrent draining area.

Abscesses require drainage and antibiotics but to prevent the problem from happening again or to prevent recurrent drainage the pilonidal cyst must be surgically removed.

Fortunately for those suffering from the pain and embarrassment of a pilonidal cyst, relief is available. When an abscess forms, lancing and draining the cyst is often required. However, to completely eliminate the cyst, surgery is necessary, once the infection is resolved. 

Dr. Farrow may use one of several different methods, but all aim to completely remove the cyst and allow proper healing so the cyst cannot recur. Following surgery, recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the procedure used. Dr. Farrow is very experienced in properly treating pilonidal cysts of different severities, even recurrent cysts after previous surgeries and discusses your treatment options in detail, as well as what to expect during the procedure and with the recovery afterward.