We know you have lots of questions in your mind that is why we have tried to answer a few of them. Keep learning.
An abscess or pus cavity containing hair is called Pilonidal Sinus. It often occurs at lower back region (Tail bone).
It mostly occurs at tail bone region at the buttock fold in the mid-line (known as natal cleft). It may also occur at any other body parts e.g., in between fingers, axilla etc.
It is developed when hair is trapped inside skin and the cavity becomes infected to form an abscess. It occurs in individuals having long sitting jobs like drivers, IT-Professionals etc. For details kindly visit - Causes of Pilonidal Sinus.
It usually presents as a pimple or painful abscess at lower back between the buttock folds. It may or may not discharge pus. Pain may or may not be there. Always consult a doctor. Do not self-diagnose.
Pilonidal cysts are usually painful as there is pus trapped inside. Once the pus starts draining then the pain subsides. The pain may be more if the track is infected.
If it is painful you may do a few things to reduce the pain. Keep the area clean, shaved and do sitz bath twice daily with hot water.
No, if there is a dimple at natal cleft at the time of birth, it may only be a simple dimple and not pilonidal cyst. It may not require any attention. Pilonidal cyst is something that is developed after birth. It is seen more in youngsters.
No, pilonidal sinus usually does not involve bone or any other deeper structure. Although it is always recommended to get it examined by a doctor to know the exact extent of sinus track. Your doctor may recommend a few tests to know your condition better.
It may rupture spontaneously to discharge the pus and blood. It results in pain reduction but usually the pain comes back when the cavity is again filled with the pus. This cycle keeps on going if it is not treated permanently.
The sinus is itself not dangerous and not life threatening.
Yes, it is curable. It needs medical attention. Consult a doctor if you think you are having pilonidal sinus disease. You may require surgery or Kshar Sutra Therapy. You may consult online through this link - Consultation Package for Pilonidal Sinus.
Available treatment options are Kshar Sutra Therapy, Surgery and Medicines. Surgeries and medicines usually have very high recurrence rates. Kshar Sutra Therapy is the most preferred treatment in Pilonidal Sinus. Learn more.
Antibiotics help only in starting stages to reduce the infection and pain temporarily. Do not expect permanent cure by using antibiotics. Moreover, it may show may side effects if taken for longer periods.
No, it is not recommended to leave the sinus track as such. It may spread silently, developing more external openings and making it worse. It affects the day-to-day life difficult because of pain and pus discharge.
No, chances are very less. A few cases have been noted to develop skin cancer near the pilonidal cyst region but there is no direct relation with the sinus.
Depends on the extent of the sinus track and mode of treatment. Medicines may start showing effects within a few days but it usually recurs after medicines. Surgery may take 2-3 months to heal. Kshar Sutra Therapy may take 5-15 weeks of treatment.
If you have pilonidal sinus you should avoid too much oily food, avoid too much sitting, avoid long driving, do not wear tight clothes, keep the area shaved, use herbal supplements, maintain hygiene and keep doing sitz bath.
Do not try to puncture the cyst using any physical means. You may end up in making the cyst infected. You may try warm compresses 3-4 times a day to let the cyst. Warmth may help the pus to come out and rupture from a point on the skin. It will relieve the pain.
Kshar Sutra Therapy is the most recommended treatment for pilonidal sinus because of very high success rates, high patient compliance, nil complications, no side effects and negligible recurrence rates.
No, it is done under local anaesthesia. You may feel some post therapy pain that is very much tolerable and all patients are able to do their daily job as usual. Sitz bath and a few medicines helps in keeping the pain away.
It depends on many factors mainly including extent of pilonidal sinus, age of the patient, medical history of the patient, any history of previous surgery, hospital set up etc.
Kshar Sutra Thearpy in Pilonidal Sinus is done under local anesthesia and no pain is felt during the treatment. All patients are fully awake during the whole treatment duration. You are allowed to go home within 15-30 minutes after the therapy. You may feel some pain after 4-6 hours as the effect of anesthesia is gone. This pain can be managed very well through medicines. Patients are allowed to resume their routine work as soon as possible with certain precautions. You may feel some pain while sitting or driving. All patients are instructed to do regular sitz bath to get relief in pain. Painkillers are usually not required.
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