This can cause hairs to break off. As a person moves, the broken hairs and dead skin cells can get pushed under the skin. The immune system treats the hair and dead skin cells as foreign, and forms a cyst around them that fills with fluid. Treatment for a pilonidal abscess depends on how severe the infection is. Home care with sitz baths and warm compresses can treat mild infections.
If home care doesn't work or the infection is more serious, doctors might make a small cut to drain the abscess. They might prescribe antibiotics if the infection spreads to skin around the cyst. After the infection heals, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove the cyst.
Even after surgery, pilonidal cysts sometimes come back. Keeping the area clean and free of hair can help prevent an infection and new cysts. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Pilonidal Cyst? To begin with, rinse off in the shower. Use soap and warm water to gently clean up. Keeping up with hygiene until you can see a doctor is very important.
You may want to soak regularly in a warm bath. Not only is this helpful for keeping clean, but the warm water may also feel soothing. Some people recommend adding Epsom salt to the bathwater. After washing, be sure to dry yourself thoroughly before getting dressed. A damp wound is an ideal breeding ground for infection. You may want to take extra steps to address the issue of bacteria. Some doctors advise applying hydrogen peroxide to the wound.
Doing so may help reduce bacterial growth, minimize odor and remove debris. Make sure that all affected clothing goes straight into the wash. When dealing with infectious material, experts usually recommend washing items on the warmest possible cycle for the fabric. Standard laundry detergent is sufficient; bleach is not necessary. A popped pilonidal cyst may continue to drain blood and pus for quite a while.
Being proactive with a plan to catch these leaks can help prevent unsightly wet spots and stained clothing. Placing a sanitary napkin or an incontinence pad inside your underwear is usually the easiest way to address this issue. The doctor may eventually choose to pack the wound with gauze, but an absorbent pad will work for now. The material that comes out of a pilonidal cyst usually has an unpleasant odor.
Keep in mind that sanitary pads may not fully address this issue. If possible, you may want to lie low for a few days until there is some resolution to the smell. Although you now know what to do if your pilonidal cyst pops, these at-home care tips aren't a substitute for seeking medical treatment.
Check your wound every day for the signs listed below. Fever of Was this helpful? Yes No Tell us more. Check all that apply. Wrong topic—not what I was looking for. It was hard to understand. It didn't answer any of my questions. I still don't know what to do next. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Patient Education. Infected Pilonidal Cyst Antibiotic Treatment A pilonidal cyst is a swelling that starts under the skin on the sacrum near the tailbone.
Causes The cause of pilonidal cysts has been debated since they were first recognized. Symptoms A pilonidal cyst may be small and painless. If it becomes inflamed or infected, you may have these symptoms: Swelling Irritation or redness Pain Drainage The cyst can swell and drain on its own. The swelling and drainage can come and go. Treatment A limited infection can be treated with antibiotics and home care.
Home care The following guidelines will help you care for your wound at home: Sit in a tub filled with about 6 inches of hot water.
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