Understanding Pilonidal Cysts: Pronunciation, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Understanding Pilonidal Cyst Pronunciation and Definition

A pilonidal cyst is a particular type of skin infection that occurs in the crease of the buttocks near the tailbone. The word "pilonidal" comes from Latin roots meaning "nest of hair", which refers to how these cysts often originate from ingrown hairs in that area.

Breaking Down the Word "Pilonidal"

"Pilo-" means hair, while "-nidal" means nest. So "pilonidal" literally translates to "nest of hair" - an apt description of how these cysts and infections start in the skin.

The correct pronunciation is:

• py-low-neye-dul
• py-low-nih-dul

The accent is on the "py", sounding like the start of the word "pilot". The ending sounds like "idle" or "idol".

Where Do Pilonidal Cysts Develop?

Pilonidal cysts occur in the vertical crevice between the two symmetrical halves of the buttocks that runs down from the tailbone (sacrococcygeal area). This area contains hair follicles that can become ingrown due to friction from clothing and sitting.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are certain factors that increase risk:

• Family history - genetic predisposition means other family members had pilonidal cysts
• Obesity
• Excess body hair and coarse hair
• Frequent sitting leading to irritation and ingrown hairs
• Moisture and skin maceration from sweating
• Local skin trauma

Pilonidal cysts tend to affect young adults, being rare in children and the elderly. Males are affected more often due to having more body hair in the region.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Many pilonidal cysts start without symptoms at first. As they enlarge, signs and symptoms develop such as:

• Swelling, redness, tenderness of the skin near the tailbone
• Dull ache or pain in the sacrococcygeal region
• Drainage of fluid or blood from a pinpoint opening
• Fever and acute infection or abscess formation

Complications

If left untreated, pilonidal cysts can lead to recurrent infections and other problems like:

• Expanding abscess with intense pain
• Cellulitis causing red skin rash
• Osteomyelitis infection reaching the tailbone
• Sepsis if bacteria enters the blood
• Scarring between buttocks

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you notice typical signs like swelling, drainage or pain near the tailbone. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. Call urgently with fevers over 101F or spreading redness.

Diagnosing Pilonidal Cysts

Doctors diagnose pilonidal cysts based on:

• Medical history questions about risk factors
• Physical examination of the sacrococcygeal area
• Tests like imaging scans if infection has spread inward

Physical Exam and Visual Inspection

Visual examination often clearly shows skin changes like swelling, pitting, and cyst drainage. Doctors palpate to pinpoint cyst locations and check if they fluctuate in size or feel firm and immobile when pushed.

Imaging Tests

If complications or deeper infections are suspected, tests like MRI or CT scans check for abscesses or inflammation tracking along tissue planes.

Treatment Options for Pilonidal Cysts

Treatments for pilonidal cysts aim to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Options depend on severity and include:

• Antibiotics - For infection
• Incision and drainage - Of accumulated pus
• Surgery - Cyst or sinus excision

Nonsurgical Treatments

Mild cases may be managed by:

• Warm baths to encourage drainage
• Hair removal around site to prevent more ingrown hairs
• Keeping area clean and dry to limit irritation

Antibiotics treat infection while letting cysts drain spontaneously. Large abscesses require incision and drainage first.

Outpatient Surgery

Surgery removes troublesome or chronically-recurrent cysts. Techniques include:

• Pit picking - Individual sinus tract excision
• Cyst removal - Elliptical excision and leaving open to heal
• Cleft lift - Asymmetrical closure to eliminate midline crevice and recurrence
• Bascom procedure - Sinus excision combined with off-midline closure

Preventing Pilonidal Cyst Recurrence

Preventing pilonidal cysts relies on good hygiene and paying attention to signs:

• Keep sacral area clean and dry after bathing
• Avoid excessive moisture or sweating
• Remove hair around midline crevice through laser or chemical means
• Manage weight to avoid obesity
• Have surgery for chronic or recurring cysts

Make postoperative lifestyle changes like sitting on cushions and avoiding prolonged sitting to minimize local irritation and shearing forces.

Seeing doctors promptly when symptoms appear gives the best chance to treat simple cysts before they enlarge or become complicated by infection.

Outlook for Pilonidal Cyst Patients

With good care, most tiny pilonidal cysts resolve on their own without needing intervention. Acute abscesses require drainage but surgery can prevent further recurrence. Larger or infected cysts may leave scarring but this typically fades over time.

Correct pilonidal cyst pronunciation guides discussions with doctors to ensure proper understanding and treatment. Staying alert to warning signs allows early intervention for best outcomes. With modern techniques, severe problems are rare but preventing chronic cysts relies on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the sacral region.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.