How Can I Put an End To Chronic Pilonidal Cysts?

A pilonidal cyst is a boil-like growth that forms at the end of the tailbone between the cleft of the buttocks. Starting from a tiny hair ingrowth in a hair follicle, things turn nasty if it gets inflamed or infected. For difficult-to-deal cases, pilonidal surgery is the most preferred treatment option. However, the high risk of recurrence makes things difficult. 

If you are suffering from a chronic pilonidal cyst, putting an end to the cycle of chronic pilonidal cysts will require a multifaceted approach. From taking preventive measures, opting for surgical intervention, undertaking proper post-operative care to bringing about diligent changes in lifestyle habits; a lot goes into enjoying permanent relief. So here is a step-by-step guide to tackle the issue:

How To Prevent Pilonidal Cyst?

Men are most prone to developing a pilonidal cyst. This is because of their hairy growth. Periodic hair removal is a great way to keep down the risk. Also, maintaining proper hygiene, wearing loose-fitted clothes, avoiding long sitting hours, and keeping the body weight under check are some of the strategies that one should adopt. 

Is Medical Intervention Important For Pilonidal Cyst?

In most cases, a pilonidal cyst starts as a harmless growth. It is often accidentally discovered by touch. But ignoring it from this point onwards can aggravate the issue. Checking up with a colorectal surgeon at the earliest is important. After a thorough physical evaluation and depending upon the severity of the symptoms, the doctor will roll out the most feasible treatment plan. 

For pilonidal cyst removal, the treatment can vary between non-surgical and surgical options. The basic idea is to cut open the cyst and drain it out completely. Based on the size of the cyst, the surgeon may decide whether to leave the wound open or seal it with stitches. Understandably, the post-procedure care for either case will be different. 

For patients who have had a pilonidal cyst before or have any other skin issues in the same area, the colorectal surgeon may recommend a more extensive and more invasive pilonidal cyst removal surgery. This will clear off a wider and deeper skin area. Skin grafting is often considered to fill up the hollow wound space with a healthy skin patch taken from another part of the body. This reduces the risk of infection and future relapse.

Why Is Post-Surgical Care Important For Chronic Pilonidal Cysts? 

In any medical intervention, surgical treatment is only one step of the larger, longer process. Effective outcomes depend not only on the skill and expertise of the healthcare provider but also on post-operative care. 

After a cyst removal surgery, proper wound care is paramount. The high risk of relapse in pilonidal cysts is invariably linked to poor wound care. It is therefore important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. 

Regular changes of dressing, proper wound care, effective monitoring for infection, taking prescription drugs, and sticking to a follow-up appointment schedule are the key areas of post-operative care. Doctors also highlight the importance of activity modification. Indulging in gentle exercises increases blood circulation which speeds up the process of healing. 

Importance Of Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle habits are directly responsible for the development of pilonidal cysts. Being obese or overweight causes the skin to sag. This increases the risk of hair ingrowth around the belly area. Likewise, poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, long sitting hours, and poor hygiene habits, all play a part in making things worse. One of the effective ways to put an end to chronic pilonidal cysts is to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits in your life. 

What Are the Chances Of Pilonidal Cyst Relapse?

Statistics show that pilonidal cysts have a high risk of recurrence. It can be as high as 40% in the case of non-surgical interventions. Expert colorectal surgeons, therefore, recommend a more targeted approach like the rhomboid flap technique to treat chronic pilonidal cysts. The rhomboid flap technique is an invasive surgery that removes all the diseased skin tissue. Its highly effective procedure to close down the wound with skin grafting reduces the risk of any subsequent infections. 

Final Thoughts

A pilonidal cyst must not be ignored. For many, it will be a one-time problem. Acute cases of pilonidal cysts can be carefully handled with proper medical care. But for people who have chronic cysts, it requires an elaborate understanding of the root cause. The treatment strategy will thus be a multipronged approach to deal with the situation effectively. 

It is a good idea to approach the leading board-certified and trained colorectal surgeon Dr. Allen Kamrava MD MBA. Dr. Kamrava is vastly experienced and has helped numerous patients with pilonidal cysts. Over the years he has mastered new medical techniques and has successfully deployed advanced surgical procedures to effectively treat chronic pilonidal cysts. His patients vouch for his clinical expertise and empathetic dealings. Book an appointment to discuss your medical condition with Dr. Kamrava and get a more comprehensive understanding of the options available, the pros and cons of different treatment procedures, and associated recuperating time.