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A pilonidal cyst is a type of benign lesion that most often develops near the tailbone. It forms as the hair in that region grows or reenters back through the fragile skin to form a cyst underneath. If this cyst becomes infected, it can cause significant pain. Cosmocare Piles and Hernia Center offers a comprehensive surgical treatment options to patients with pilonidal cysts in the Dubai, UAE. Patients with this condition can request and appointment with Dr. Murtaza Pithawala to learn more about their pilonidal cyst.
Pilonidal cysts develop when hair punctures the skin and fails to emerge completely. Loose hairs often puncture the skin after being exposed to friction and pressure from tight clothing or other sources. After the hair punctures the skin, the body reacts to the embedded hair as though it's a foreign substance and builds a cyst around it.
Some people are more likely to develop pilonidal cysts than others. Risk factors for these cysts include sitting for long periods of time, being male, being obese, and having excess body hair. Coarse hair is more likely to cause a cyst than fine hair.
Patients should suspect infection if a pilonidal cyst becomes swollen, painful, and red. Infected cysts may also seep pus or blood. If pus is removed from an infected cyst, it will have a foul smell.
Dr. Murtaza offers customized surgical treatment for people with infected pilonidal cysts. There is no one size fits all approach. For people with small cysts, he may numb the area and make a small incision to drain and remove the cyst. This may be done under local anesthesia in the OPD itself. For bigger cysts, complete excision of the cyst and primary closure is done. A drain maybe left in place to remove the subsequent postoperative collections in the wound and help the stitches to heal. Laser ablation of the cyst is also possible for select patients. This involves making very small holes (2-3) to drain and laser the cyst. The pain experienced is minimal and the healing time is greatly shortened. Patients can return back to work in 5-7 days.
For people with large or recurrent cysts, he may perform a more complex surgical procedure to remove the cyst entirely.
Pilonidal sinus have a high recurrence rate. The reason for this is because the hair which grows around the operated site can again go back through this skin. To reduce the recurrence rate, removal of hair helps. At Cosmocare we offer laser hair removal in our center to minimize recurrence of this disease.
Pilonidal cysts don’t always need to be removed. However, if the cyst becomes infected, the patient will experience pain, and treatment is often necessary. Although some patients may choose to have a cyst drained when it becomes infected, pilonidal cysts tend to recur. A large, infected cyst that has recurred should be removed. Dr. Murtaza will discuss these options with patients in detail and help them make the right treatment choice.