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Pilonidal disease can cause painful abscesses at the top of your buttock cleft. The Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery team in Gilbert, Arizona, specializes in treating conditions like these by draining the fluid or performing surgery. The team’s highly skilled colorectal surgeons use techniques that create minimal tissue damage and encourage faster healing. Call Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery for help with pilonidal disease or request an appointment using the online inquiry form today.
What is pilonidal disease?
Patients with pilonidal disease develop cysts — areas of skin that form a pocket, often containing shed skin and hair. These cysts typically develop near the tailbone, where your buttock cleft begins.
In its early stages, a pilonidal cyst might not be too problematic. However, if infection sets in, the resulting abscess can be very painful. Infected pilonidal cysts look red, and blood or pus might drain from them.
After the abscess clears up, some patients develop pilonidal sinuses. These are tracts under the skin that form one or more small openings (pits). Sinus tracts sometimes heal on their own but might require minor surgery if they don’t.
What causes pilonidal disease?
Pilonidal cysts typically develop when hair punctures the skin and embeds itself. The reason why this happens isn’t clear, but pressure and friction in the tailbone area could force hairs into the skin.
A cyst forms around the hair if your body treats it as a potentially harmful invader. Pilonidal cysts often affect younger men and people who sit a lot of the time. Wearing tight clothes and frequent cycling could also raise your chances of developing pilonidal disease.
If you have a lot of body hair and it's coarse or stiff, your risk of getting pilonidal disease is even higher. Excess body weight can also play a part in the development of pilonidal disease.
If you’ve had pilonidal disease once, you’re more likely to get it again.
How is pilonidal disease treated?
If you have a pilonidal cyst, the Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery team can drain the cyst's contents during an in-office procedure under local anesthetic. Unfortunately, pilonidal disease often recurs. If this happens frequently, your provider might suggest surgery.
It's vital to care for your post-surgical wound properly. The Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery team will give you detailed information on how to look after the wound and change your dressings, and advise you when to return for a checkup.
If you have pilonidal disease symptoms, call Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery or book an evaluation using the online scheduling tool today.