Do you know what a pilonidal cyst is? Some people know it well, but others have no idea what it is. A pilonidal cyst infection is a sac-like structure that grows in between your tailbone and buttocks. It is primarily caused by ingrown hair that creates a small bulge and starts growing inward. In general, these kinds of cysts do not cause any issues, but if there is any infection, it is indeed going to give you pain and discomfort until you get proper treatment. So, let's discuss the symptoms that show you have an infected pilonidal cyst and what to do next.
List the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst infection:
If you have a pilonidal cyst and it is infected, then you may complain of a few things, like:
Pain in your lower back:
If you have continuous pain in your lower back area and you have no idea why it hurts you so much, it's time to check if you have a cyst. These small structures cause a lot of pain if there is an abscess filled in the cyst - it indicates that you need to book an appointment with your physician, or, to be precise, you need a colorectal surgeon. He will let you know what the exact issue is and how to treat it.
Inflammation and redness:
Another symptom that confirms infection in your pilonidal cyst is inflammation and redness near your tailbone. It is so bad that you can't even sit properly. It also indicates that the cyst may be filled with an abscess. So, you need to call the best colorectal surgeon in your city and start the treatment.
Abscess oozing out of the cyst:
When the pilonidal cyst is infected, it may drain out a lot of the abscess that is filled inside it. You can touch the area near the cyst and see if it is covered with a smelly, sticky liquid. This is the pus coming out of the cyst, a strong indication that you need to book an urgent consultation with your colorectal surgeon. The presence of an abscess means that the infection is growing, and you need the right treatment immediately. Sometimes people ignore this fact, which causes them a lot of trouble later. So, be on the safer side and go to the doctor.
High fever with weakness and nausea:
You know that you have a cyst near your tailbone area, and you have been ignoring this for a long time. It is not going to stay silent. The infection will start increasing, causing a high fever, nausea, and weakness. You may have no idea why all this is happening to you, but it's the small cyst that is causing all this trouble. Thus, you have to act smart this time and not wait for the cyst to repair itself. You need to visit the doctor and let him give you some medications to subside the fever, and then go for pilonidal cyst surgery.
Is it necessary to drain out the cyst?
Yes, it is necessary to drain the cyst because, even if it is not causing you fever or nausea, the abscess present inside is not a good thing. It is filled with bacteria and germs that never stop multiplying. This pus will then start oozing out and give you a lot of pain. So, to avoid all these issues, you should call your doctor and let him know about this problem. You will have to go to his clinic and let him drain out all the pus. This is the best and safest way to clean the cyst before removing it permanently.
Also, never try to be too smart to try this step at home. Some people have tried draining out the cyst at home and ended up wounding themselves badly. You cannot do this unless you are a surgeon and have help at home. You need a specialist who knows how to do this safely and then remove the cyst.
Why do these cysts frequently occur?
There is no specific reason that explains the frequent occurrence of these cysts, but prolonged sitting and a hairy body contribute to this - pilonidal cyst causes. People who have sitting jobs are most likely to have a pilonidal cyst when compared to those who keep on moving here and there. On the other hand, if you have a lot of body hair, then there are also chances that you have a cyst, and if you keep on shaving the hair, the chances are less.
Conclusion:
Pilonidal cysts can stay silent for a long time, but infection causes them to grow and cause all the pain you suffer from. So, it's time to see a doctor and let him help you remove it safely. There is nothing to worry about because the best surgeons use the latest technology to make it minimally invasive and less painful. Moreover, you have to avoid prolonged sitting and make sure that if your body is too hairy, you try to keep it clean and maintain good hygiene.
