Symptoms and Signs of Pilonidal Cyst

Doctor's Notes on Pilonidal Cyst

A pilot 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.