A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket of skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the tailbone, at the top of the hip cleft. Pilonidal cysts usually occur when the scalp pierces the skin and is then buried. If the pilonidal cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is usually extremely painful. The cyst can be drained through a small incision or surgically removed. Pilonidal cysts are most common in young men and the problem tends to recur. People who sit for long periods, such as truck drivers, have a higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst. When the pilonidal cyst becomes infected, it becomes a swollen mass (abscess). Signs and symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include:

  • ache
  • Skin rash
  • Pus or blood flowing from an opening in the skin
  • Bad smell due to running pus

 

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a pilonidal cyst. He can diagnose the condition by examining the lesion.

 

Reasons

The exact cause of pilonidal cysts isn’t clear. However, most of the pilonidal cyst appears to be caused by loose hairs penetrating the skin. Friction and pressure – skin rubbing against the skin, tight clothing, cycling, prolonged sitting, or the like – push hairs against the skin. Reacting to the hair as a foreign substance, the body forms a cyst around the hair.

This description describes rare cases of pilonidal cysts occurring in body parts not near the tailbone. For example, barbers, dog hairdressers, and sheep mowers have developed pilonidal cysts in the skin between the fingers.

 

Risk factors

Certain factors can make you more susceptible to developing a pilonidal cyst, such as:

  • Male gender
  • Younger age (pilonidal cysts are most common in people in their 20s)
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Profession requiring long-term residence
  • Excess body hair
  • Hard or coarse hair

 

Complications

If a chronically infected pilonidal cyst isn’t properly treated, your risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma may be slightly higher.

 

Prevention

To help prevent pilonidal cysts, try:

  • Keep the area cleanLose weight if needed
  • Avoid sitting for long periods
  • If you have had a pilonidal cyst in the past, you may want to shave the area regularly or use hair removal products to reduce the risk of recurrence.