How is a pilonidal cyst treated?
Patients with an acute abscess can generally be treated in the doctor’s office. The doctor uses local anesthesia to numb the area. An incision is made to allow for drainage of pus. This immediately relieves pressure and decreases pain. Daily cleansing of the area in the bathtub or shower is important to keep hair and other debris out of the wound. The patient should return for follow up until the wound is healed. Healing occurs rapidly, and wounds are usually completely closed in three weeks. For patients with repeated episodes, or continuing infection, surgery may be required. This is done as an outpatient procedure at a hospital. In most cases, the cyst is opened, cleaned, and allowed to heal from the inside out. Stitches are often used, but they will dissolve in one to two weeks. After surgery it is important to keep gauze in the wound to keep the skin edges separated until the wound fills in from the bottom. The patient typically returns to the office for follow up visits until the
