A Pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks.

Pilonidal cysts usually occur when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is often extremely painful.

Pilonidal cysts most commonly occur in young men and the problem has a tendency to recur. People who sit for prolonged periods of time, such as truck drivers, are at higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.

SYMPTOMS OF PILONIDAL CYSTS

When it is infected, a pilonidal cyst becomes a swollen mass (abscess). Signs and symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include:

• Pain
• Reddening of the skin
• Drainage of pus or blood from an opening in the skin
• Foul smell from draining pus

CAUSES OF PILONIDAL CYSTS

The exact cause of pilonidal cysts is not clear. Some of the common causes are

1. Loose hairs that penetrate the skin.

2. Friction and pressure - skin rubbing against skin,

3. Tight clothing

4. Bicycling

5. Long periods of sitting or similar factors.

RISK FACTORS OF PILONIDAL CYSTS

Certain factors can make one more susceptible to developing pilonidal cysts, such as:

• Male sex
• Younger age (pilonidal cysts are most common in people in their 20s)
• Obesity
• Inactive lifestyle
• Occupation requiring prolonged sitting
• Excess body hair
• Stiff or coarse hair

PREVENTION OF PILONIDAL CYSTS

To help prevent pilonidal cysts, try to:

• Keep the area clean
• Lose weight if needed
• Avoid prolonged sitting

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR PILONIDAL CYSTS

HEPER SULPH : Recommended for pilonidal cyst when there is pain in the cyst. There is throbbing, beating, stinging or pricking pain. Useful for inflamed and hot skin above the cyst which is very sensitive and sore to touch. Very useful when pain gets worse at night,exposure to cold.There is pus discharge with offensive odor, like old cheese, from the pus.

MYRISTICA SEBIFERA : Effective remedy for a pilonidal cyst.Helpful to hasten the suppuration and aids in complete recovery.  Useful to prevents surgical intervention in most cases of pilonidal sinus.

MERC SOL : Useful for pilonidal cyst in the late stages when the pus begins to release from the cyst. There is profuse, acrid and sticky pus discharge. The affected area is sore and painful to touch with Itching .Useful when the symptoms worsen at night, and warmth tends to aggravate all these symptoms.

CALCAREA SULPH : Useful for pilonidal cyst with yellow pus discharge. There is thick and lumpy discharge which may be bloody in some cases. Useful to control pus formation.

PHOSPHORUS : Useful for pilonidal cyst when there is  bloody discharge from the cyst. The blood is thin and profuse.There is burning in the surrounding skin may also appear.It helps in controlling the bloody discharge and also contributes towards healing the pilonidal sinus.Also very useful in cases where healing has taken place in the past, and the problem has arisen again with a bloody discharge.Also useful for colorless and fetid pus.

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