Pilonidal cysts, also known as Pilonidal sinus, are a type of skin condition that usually occurs in the cleft between the buttocks, just above the tailbone. These cysts occur when hair and debris become imprisoned in the skin, causing an infection and the creation of a pus-filled pocket or sac.
Pilonidal cysts are more common in males than in women, and those who are overweight, inactive, or who have a lot of hair in the area are more likely to develop the ailment. Trauma to the area, such as extended sitting or riding, can also result in cysts. If suffering from this condition, visit a colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst.
What are the symptoms of Pilonidal Cysts?
Pain and discomfort: The cyst can be painful and uncomfortable, especially when sitting or lying down in the area around the tailbone.
Redness and swelling: An infection may cause the skin around the cyst to swell and turn red.
Blood or pus oozing from the cyst: This might have a bad odour and cause pus or blood to leak from the cyst.
Itching and irritability: The cyst's surrounding skin may develop an itchy, irritated condition that can make things more painful.
Fever and exhaustion: The cyst may occasionally become infected, resulting in a fever and exhaustion.
What are the ways to prevent Pilonidal Cysts?
Keeping the affected area clean is essential to preventing the growth of pilonidal cysts. Thoroughly clean the area with warm water and mild soap, then completely dry it.
A cyst can develop as a result of pressure or extended sitting. This can trap hair and other debris in the skin and produce an infection. If you sit for extended periods, get up frequently. Use a cushion or pillow to ease pressure on your tailbone.
Removing extra hair by shaving or waxing can help prevent hair and other debris formation on the skin.
Wear comfortable clothing since tight clothing can chafe against the skin and promote the growth of pilonidal cysts. Wear comfortable, air-flow-friendly clothing that is loose-fitting.
Be active and keep a healthy weight: Both of these factors can help lower your risk of acquiring pilonidal cysts.
Treatment of a pilonidal cyst
Early stages of the disease can be treated conservatively by taking the following steps to manage the symptoms:
Pain relief: Ibuprofen or paracetamol, both of which are available over the counter, help treat pain and inflammation.
Hygiene: Preventing the cyst from contracting an infection by keeping the region dry and clean. Patients need to wash the affected region with soap and water and keep it dry all day.
Warm compresses: By applying warm compresses to the affected area, you can encourage drainage while reducing discomfort and swelling.
Incision and drainage: A medical practitioner might need to drain the cyst if it develops infected. To drain the fluid and remove any debris, a tiny incision is made during the surgery. After the drainage, gauze is wrapped around the area to promote internal healing.
Excision: Surgical excision may be necessary if the cyst recurs or develops into a chronic condition. To avoid recurrence, the cyst and any surrounding tissue are removed during surgery.
Laser hair removal: Patients with recurrent pilonidal cysts may be advised to undergo laser hair removal. The process involves destroying the hair follicles with laser radiation. This helps stop hair growth and lowers the chance of cyst formation.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can aid in containing the infection and halt its spread.
Who are colorectal surgeons? How can these surgeons help in treating pilonidal cysts?
The diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of diseases and ailments affecting the colon, rectum, and anus are the areas of expertise for colorectal surgeons, who are medical professionals.
A physician must first finish four years of undergraduate study to become a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), and then four years of medical school. An extra one to two years of special training in colorectal surgery is a must for the physician after completing a five-year general surgery residency following graduation.
To give their patients comprehensive care, they also study how to handle complex cases and collaborate with other specialists like gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.
Patients with colorectal disorders and ailments benefit greatly from the work of colorectal surgeons in terms of quality of life improvement. They help their patients achieve the best possible health results.
What part do colorectal surgeons play in the management of pilonidal cysts?
To treat pilonidal cysts, a colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst must diagnose the condition, administer treatment, and handle any consequences. They can also perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. To assess the size of the cyst and any related abscesses or sinus tracts, they may additionally request imaging tests like an ultrasound or an MRI.
Colorectal surgeons are essential because surgical intervention is frequently necessary to treat pilonidal cysts. Excision and primary closure, in which the cyst and any surrounding tissue are removed, and the wound is stitched up. It is the most popular surgical method for pilonidal cysts. This surgery normally necessitates a brief hospital stay.
In some circumstances, the cyst might be too large for excision and primary closure. This might necessitate the use of further surgical procedures. These methods could involve flap closure, marsupialization, or incision and drainage of any sinus tracts or abscesses. Depending on the requirements of each patient, colorectal surgeons can execute these treatments and choose the appropriate technique.
Colorectal surgeons are essential in addressing postoperative problems such as wound infections and slow wound healing. To stop the infection and advance recovery, they could recommend antibiotics or other medicines. They might also provide patients advice on how to take care of their wounds. This can help to avoid the cyst from coming again.
Conclusion
Colorectal surgeons are qualified to undertake surgical techniques to remove the cyst and handle any potential problems. Colorectal surgeons can provide comprehensive therapy to patients with pilonidal cysts by collaborating with other medical professionals like dermatologists and wound care specialists.