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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pilonidal Cyst?

I am a 37 year old female, 5'8" and 150 pounds, and physically active with work. I have not had any major health issues until this pilonidal cyst appeared after a week long of heavy lifting and pushing items weighing anywhere from 50-250 lbs. The cyst was apparent to me after a work shift when I laid down and felt a terrible pain, and found the bump. I have done research and think it is possible that this pilonidal cyst occurred from rupture on the inside. Is this possible from the heavy lifting?
Tue, 3 May 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for posting in HCM.

I have read your description and understand your concern.

Pilonidal cyst occurs at the bottom of the tailbone (coccyx) and can become infected and filled with pus. It causes swelling, redness and burning sensation when it becomes infected.
Activities that cause friction, like sitting, can force the hair growing in the area to burrow back under the skin. Body considers it to be foreign material and the immune response forms the cyst around your hair.

A doctor can diagnose a pilonidal cyst by taking a history and performing a physical exam.

It can be managed conservatively when it is diagnosed early on, wherein, if you aren’t experiencing severe pain and there’s no sign of inflammation. It is likely that your doctor will prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic and ask you to pay particular attention to hygiene.

If you have a recurring symptoms or if you have more than one sinus tract, your doctor will recommend a surgical procedure. In this, the surgeon will open the lesions, removing all of the pus and debris. Subsequent follow-up would be necessary.

Kindly consult Surgeon in this regard for proper assessment and management.

Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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What Causes Pilonidal Cyst?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I have read your description and understand your concern. Pilonidal cyst occurs at the bottom of the tailbone (coccyx) and can become infected and filled with pus. It causes swelling, redness and burning sensation when it becomes infected. Activities that cause friction, like sitting, can force the hair growing in the area to burrow back under the skin. Body considers it to be foreign material and the immune response forms the cyst around your hair. A doctor can diagnose a pilonidal cyst by taking a history and performing a physical exam. It can be managed conservatively when it is diagnosed early on, wherein, if you aren’t experiencing severe pain and there’s no sign of inflammation. It is likely that your doctor will prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic and ask you to pay particular attention to hygiene. If you have a recurring symptoms or if you have more than one sinus tract, your doctor will recommend a surgical procedure. In this, the surgeon will open the lesions, removing all of the pus and debris. Subsequent follow-up would be necessary. Kindly consult Surgeon in this regard for proper assessment and management. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.