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What Causes Recurring Pilonidal Cysts With Foul Odor?
Question: I have a reoccurring pilonidal cyst that usually flares up with my menstrual cycle (I've had it since 2012 I also have PCOS and abscesses/boils that appear in other places). Each time it drains on its own it, of course, has a foul smell. This time, though, the odor smelled of moth balls. That was different and concerning. I've read in a couple forums that E. Coli can give off the scent of moth balls. Should I be concerned about the smell?
Brief Answer:
Needs excision and tests as mentioned below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pilonidal cyst/sinus is known to recur until it is excised in-toto meaning complete removal of the cyst or the tract is a must. Hence I would advise you to consult a Surgeon who can excise it completely.
Since you have PCOS it needs a proper treatment under Gynecologist's guidance.
Abscesses that appear in other places indicate that you may be getting bacteremia due to pilonidal problems and also needs blood tests for CBC, diabetes, culture and sensitivity when you get flare-ups.
The smell of the pus depends upon the type of bacteria involved but the only sure-shot way to know the causative organism is to send the pus for microscopy, culture and sensitivity, preferably before starting an antibiotic. This will not only identify the responsible bacteria but also give an idea which antibiotic would be suitable for control of infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Needs excision and tests as mentioned below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pilonidal cyst/sinus is known to recur until it is excised in-toto meaning complete removal of the cyst or the tract is a must. Hence I would advise you to consult a Surgeon who can excise it completely.
Since you have PCOS it needs a proper treatment under Gynecologist's guidance.
Abscesses that appear in other places indicate that you may be getting bacteremia due to pilonidal problems and also needs blood tests for CBC, diabetes, culture and sensitivity when you get flare-ups.
The smell of the pus depends upon the type of bacteria involved but the only sure-shot way to know the causative organism is to send the pus for microscopy, culture and sensitivity, preferably before starting an antibiotic. This will not only identify the responsible bacteria but also give an idea which antibiotic would be suitable for control of infection.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr. Chandrakant, Thanks for your timely response. Do you mean that I need to get it completely removed by a Gyno? Or do I need to have it done by a specialized surgeon and then looked after by a Gyno? I have been tested for diabetes already and I dont have it. I am asking so many questions because most doctors that I have gone to have misdiagnosed it as Cellulitis. I want to be sure that when I go to a doctor Im getting the right treatments.
Brief Answer:
As explained.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Very true.
You should get the correct Doctors to get a proper diagnosis and thus proper management.
Pilonidal sinus is operated by a General Surgeon or a surgeon who may be more experienced in such cases and you may have to search for such a Surgeon. A gynecologist cannot help with this problem.
You have to consult a Gynecologist for PCOS problem.
It is good to know that you are not diabetic.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
As explained.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Very true.
You should get the correct Doctors to get a proper diagnosis and thus proper management.
Pilonidal sinus is operated by a General Surgeon or a surgeon who may be more experienced in such cases and you may have to search for such a Surgeon. A gynecologist cannot help with this problem.
You have to consult a Gynecologist for PCOS problem.
It is good to know that you are not diabetic.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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