If you’ve discovered a tender lump at the very top of your bum, near the tailbone, it’s time to think pilonidal cyst. While it can feel embarrassing to talk about, pilonidal cysts are quite common and treatable.
At Heavens Urgent Care in Apache Junction, we help patients from San Tan Valley, East Mesa, and Queen Creek find fast relief so they can feel comfortable again. If you are outside of our locale, there’s no need to travel. Please consider using our convenient in-home telehealth services.
Now, let’s dive into the definition symptoms, causes, and treatment of a pilonidal cyst.
What Is a Pilonidal Cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is a small pocket that forms under the skin near the tailbone. It often contains hair, skin debris, and fluid that can easily become irritated or infected.
According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, pilonidal disease affects more than 70,000 people in the U.S. each year, most often in young adults and people who spend long periods sitting.
Symptoms of a Pilonidal Cyst
You may not notice a pilonidal cyst until it becomes irritated or infected. Besides pressure, and pain, symptoms can include:
- A tender lump at the top of the buttocks crease
- Pain or discomfort when sitting, standing, or exercising
- Redness or swelling around the lump
- Drainage of pus or blood, if infected
- A foul odor from the drainage
- Fever, if the infection spreads
Pilonidal cysts are often present for years before becoming symptomatic, and once they do treatment can be difficult, mostly because of their recurring nature and difficult location.
What Causes Pilonidal Cysts?
Doctors believe pilonidal cysts form when loose hairs push beneath the skin near the tailbone. The body reacts to the hair as a foreign object, creating a cyst around it.
You may be more at risk if you sit for long periods of time (office work, truck driving, studying), experience friction or pressure near the tailbone, have coarse or excess body hair, carry extra weight, or have a family history of pilonidal disease.
Treatments for Pilonidal Cysts
The right treatment depends on whether the cyst is irritated, infected, or recurring. Below are the three primary variants.
- Mild cases: Warm compresses, good hygiene, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help if the cyst isn’t infected.
- Infected cysts: Most often treated with an incision and drainage procedure. At our urgent care office, a medical provider will gently numb the area, make a small opening, and drain the infection. This quick procedure provides relief and helps the healing process. Antibiotics may also be prescribed.
- Chronic or recurring cysts: In some cases, referral for surgery to fully remove the cyst and surrounding tissue may be necessary to prevent it from coming back.
Like other cysts, abscesses, and boils, antibiotics alone generally won’t get rid of an active pilonidal cyst. Treatment for infected or chronic cysts requires draining and cleaning. After incision and draining, we may choose to leave the site option to allow it to heal properly.
How to Prevent Pilonidal Cysts
Not all cases can be prevented, but following these steps can reduce the chance of a cyst forming again:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid sitting for long periods without breaks.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Remove excess hair near the tailbone (some patients consider laser hair removal if cysts recur).
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to limit friction.
If you notice a painful lump, swelling, or drainage at the top of your buttocks, don’t wait for it to get worse. Pilonidal cysts that become infected can be very painful, and professional care can provide quick relief.
At Heavens Urgent Care in Apache Junction, our team is trained to treat pilonidal cysts with compassion and discretion. Whether you live in San Tan Valley, East Mesa, or Queen Creek, you’ll find supportive, non-judgmental care close to home.
Walk in today or call us at 480-444-1160 if you think you may have a pilonidal cyst. Relief is closer than you think.
