Doctor's Notes on Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst is a structure that develops along the tailbone at or near the cleft of the buttocks and rarely elsewhere on the body. Signs and symptoms include pain over the lower spine, skin redness, warmth, and swelling with drainage of pus. A few patients may develop fevers.
Most researchers think that pilonidal cysts are caused by penetration of loose hairs into the skin (ingrown hairs) along with skin debris. Repetitive pressure and/or trauma to the lower back is thought to increase the development or even cause pilonidal cysts.
What Are the Treatments for a Pilonidal Cyst?
Treatment of pilonidal cysts have several options:
- Incision and drainage: The doctor cuts into the cyst, drains it, removes any hair follicles, and packs wound with gauze.
- Marsupialization: The treatment is the same as above except without gauze; sew the edges to make a pouch.
- Incision, drainage and wound closure: The treatment is as above except the wound is completely closed.
- Use Fibrin glue to close the wound.
- Use a punch biopsy tool to take out diseased tissue.
Your doctor can choose the best treatment for your condition.
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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth. Treatment will involve antibiotics. Severe infection may require IV or intramuscular antibiotic injections. -
Cyst (Cysts)
Cyst or cysts are abnormal sac-like structures that can occur anywhere in the body. Examples of cysts include: ovarian cysts, sebaceous cyst, ganglion cyst, pilonidal cyst, Baker's cyst, dermoid cyst, arachnoid cyst, Bartholin's cyst, breast cyst, liver cyst, kidney cyst, vaginal cysts, skin cyst, ruptured epidermal cyst, synovial cyst, pineal cyst, thyroid cysts, epidermal cyst, Nabothian cysts, bone cysts, bladder cyst, and pancreatic cysts. Treatment of a cyst depends upon the cause. -
Fever (in Adults)
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. -
Skin Abscess
An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are not recommended as a treatment method for abscesses (or boils) because they can cause further injury. -
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, the most common cancer, happens when skin cells start growing out of control, usually as a result of too much ultraviolet light exposure from the sun or tanning booths. Of the three types of skin cancer -- basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma -- melanoma is the deadliest. Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. -
Wound Care
Wounds are lacerations, cuts, or punctures in the skin. Wounds can be superficial, deep, punctures, or pressure sores. The amount of pain, inflammation, and bleeding depend on the type of wound. Most superficial wounds can be treated at home. Deep wounds, or complicated wounds generally need medical care. Sutures, staples, or surgical glue for a wound depend on the depth of the wound and the time lapse between the injury and when medical care is sought.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.