Introduction
A pilonidal cyst is a stubborn disease. The cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin containing hair and skin debris, usually occurring at the top of the buttock cleft, close to the tailbone.
The exact cause of this disease is not clear. However, according to pilonidal cyst specialists in Kolkata, most pilonidal cysts are caused by loose hairs that penetrate the skin. Tight clothing, bicycling or sitting for extended period forces the hair down into the skin. Your body responds to this hair as a foreign substance and creates a cyst around it. This cyst can then turn infectious and become a chronic problem.
Pilonidal disease is complicated and requires the attention of an experienced pilonidal cyst doctor. Treatment options for pilonidal cyst are of two types – non-surgical or conventional treatment and surgical treatments.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical or conservative management options effectively treat pilonidal cyst. However, the chance of recurrence is high in case of these treatments, says Clinica Health’s best pilonidal cyst surgeon in Kolkata.
Conventional treatments include –
- Use of antibiotics or draining – Infectious cysts can be treated by using antibiotics or by draining the infected area. These options treat the infection but not the underlying disease. The infection subsides; however, the cyst, sinus tracts, and pit remain.
- Hair removal – This method involves the removal of hair surrounding the cyst and washing the area with Hibiclens. This method helps reduce the risk of infection; however, it does not treat the underlying disease.
Surgical treatment
The pilonidal disease can spontaneously heal in some people, whereas others will need to undergo surgery.
Surgical treatment removes the area containing the cyst, sinus tracts, and pits and allows for a permanent cure.
The surgical procedure regarding this disease has developed over the years to the current gold standard called the Cleft Lift surgery, or Bascom flap procedure.
In cleft lift surgery, the diseased area is removed, creating a flap that rotates from one side of your buttock to the other. The flap is then used to flatten the natal cleft, which improves wound healing and decreases the chance of pilonidal disease recurrence.
Conclusion
Suppose you notice any pain, reddening of the skin, drainage of pus/blood from an opening in the skin, or a foul smell from draining pus. In that case, you may have developed a pilonidal cyst. A chronically infected pilonidal cyst, if not treated properly, can lead to other complications like skin cancer.
Visit Clinica Health’s best pilonidal sinus doctor in Kolkata, and get the best surgical treatment for your pilonidal disease.