Who treats Pilonidal Cysts?

We all have heard about the term ‘cyst’, haven’t we? Sometimes a cyst can be painful. Now before understanding who treats pilonidal cyst, it’s crucial that you understand what’s a pilonidal cyst. The term ‘pilonidal’ comes from a Latin word where ‘pilus’ means hair and ‘nidus’ means nest.

Therefore, in simple terms, a pilonidal cyst is a type of abnormal skin growth that is filled with fluid or has hair and skin in it. This cyst is usually often located towards the top of the buttocks and close to the coccyx (tailbone).

This type of cyst is quite common in the US. Each year there are reports of over 70,000 instances of pilonidal cysts in the U.S. each year, making it a prevalent ailment. Pilonidal cysts typically develop because of hair penetrating the skin and becoming deep-rooted. A pilonidal cyst turns out to be painful if it gets infected. However, you do not have to worry since this infection can be easily cured with a small surgery. 

Now that you have an idea about what pilonidal cyst is or how it happens then, the next question you must have will be who treats pilonidal cyst. Medical professionals that can effectively identify and treat pilonidal cysts include proctologists and anorectal surgeons. Let’s have a detailed look into who can treat pilonidal cysts. 

Dermatologist

The first kind of doctor we all visit if we face any kind of skin troubles is the dermatologist. Similarly, if you are suffering from a pilonidal cyst, you can visit a dermatologist. They can provide non-surgical therapies, including drainage, prescribed medications, and advice on prevention. You should visit a dermatologist if your cyst is mild or in the early stages. You can either choose your dermatologist through recommendations or look up a new doctor and check their reviews.

Colorectal Surgeons (Proctologists)

These types of surgeons are specialists in treating issues related to the rectum, colon and anus. So if you are suffering from a pilonidal cyst, you can surely go to the colorectal surgeon. They are well-versed in treating complicated pilonidal cysts and are a good choice if you’re suffering from recurrent pilonidal cysts. 

Pilonidal Cyst Specialists

Pilonidal cyst specialists are those medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and management of pilonidal cysts. They are very knowledgeable and experienced in handling this kind of problem. These specialists provide distinctive procedures and approaches and are typically at the forefront of the most recent developments in the treatment of pilonidal cysts.

Symptoms for Pilonidal Cyst

You might have a pilonidal cyst yet might not need any medical attention, whereas in some cases, you would. So you must be wondering what the symptoms are and when you would treat the pilonidal disease.

• Swollen or inflamed skin – if you notice that the cyst is unusually swollen or inflamed, then it’s time you visit the doctor.
• Pain near the buttocks – Another sign of infection is when you have a painful pilonidal cyst. You might feel pain while sitting or when the butt cheeks rub against one another. This is the time when you must visit the doctor. 
• Pus or blood discharge – It’s high time to see a doctor if the pilonidal cyst starts to discharge pus or blood. 

Ways to Treat Pilonidal Cyst 

Wondering what are the different treatments available for pilonidal cysts? Well, it depends upon the type of severity you have. In many cases, patients suffering from pilonidal cysts might not even need surgery. Let’s have a look at some other ways of treatment for this kind of cyst. 

• Draining the cyst – If the cyst gets filled with pus or blood, you can visit a dermatologist who can easily drain it out. A minor cut is made to drain out the pus or blood and is covered with gauze or cotton. 
• Antibiotics – If you want to prevent the cyst from getting infected or prevent swelling, then you can choose to take antibiotics. A dermatologist can easily prescribe you some antibiotics to reduce the infection or swelling. 
• Injections – If you are suffering from mild pilonidal cysts, then phenol injections can help you to get relief and also prevent further cysts. 
• Laser treatment – This kind of treatment is a bit expensive when compared with other conventional ways of treatment. But as they say, ‘it hits the roots’! With the help of laser treatment, the ingrown hair can be removed permanently, thus ensuring there’s no recurring cyst. 

Conclusion 

To sum the, the article gives you not only an insight into who treats pilonidal cysts but also what they are pilonidal cysts, how they occur, and what the symptoms are. If you go through the article, you’ll develop a clear idea about pilonidal cysts and which kind of doctors you can approach to get relief. If you’re suffering from this kind of cyst, then you don’t have to worry, as many people suffer from this cyst. And they are very easily curable. 

But as they say, ‘prevention is better than cure’. You can avoid this kind of cyst by regularly keeping yourself clean, washing your buttocks properly, maintaining your weight and avoiding sitting for longer periods.