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OVERVIEW

What is a pilonidal cyst?

A pilonidal cyst is a small sac inside the skin that is usually located near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks crease. Pilonidal (say: “pie-low-NYE-dull”) means “nest of hairs.” A pilonidal cyst can contain hair, skin fragments and other abnormal tissue.

Anyone can have a pilonidal cyst, but it is more common in young men.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst?

A pilonidal cyst may not have any symptoms besides a small pit or dimple on the skin. However, sometimes pilonidal cysts become infected. When this happens, the cyst can become a painful abscess—a swollen, inflamed sac filled with pus (a thick, whitish-yellow fluid). Rarely, an infected pilonidal cyst can cause a fever.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes pilonidal cysts?

Health care providers disagree on the causes for pilonidal cysts. Some health care providers think that ingrown hairs may be the cause. Ingrown hairs are loose hairs that re-enter the skin though pressure from skin rubbing skin, tight clothing or long periods of sitting. Other health care providers think that pilonidal cysts form around a ruptured hair follicle (the structure from which a hair grows).

Some babies are born with a small dimple just above the crease of the buttocks, called a sacral dimple. Sacral dimples can become infected and form a pilonidal abscess.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can my health care provider tell if I have a pilonidal cyst?

Your health care provider will be able to diagnose your pilonidal cyst by examining it. Your health care provider will probably also ask you about your symptoms.

TREATMENT

How is a pilonidal cyst treated?

If you have an infected pilonidal cyst, your health care provider will numb the area where the cyst is located. They will drain any pus and remove hairs or any other fragments in the cyst. Your health care provider will then loosely pack the abscess with gauze to help it heal from the inside. You may need to have the gauze changed several times until the cyst heals. Most people who have pilonidal cysts do not need any other treatment.

If you have a pilonidal cyst that gets infected often, you may need surgery. Your health care provider will make an incision to remove any pus, hair and skin fragments from the abscess. The health care provider may choose to leave your wound open and pack it with gauze, or they may choose to stitch the wound closed. If your health care provider tells you need surgery for your pilonidal cyst, talk to them about the advantages and disadvantages of leaving the wound open or closed.

PREVENTION

How can I help prevent an infection of my pilonidal cyst in the future?

• Shave around the cyst area to help prevent hairs from getting into the cyst.
• Clean the cyst area with a mild soap and rinse well to remove any soap residue.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

• Do I have a pilonidal cyst?
• What treatment is best for me?
• Will I need surgery?
• How can I stop my pilonidal cyst from getting infected?
• Should I avoid wearing tight clothing?
• Could my pilonidal cyst come back?
• Should I change the type of soap I use?
• My child has a sacral dimple. Should I bring him/her to my health care provider regularly to have it checked?