What is a pilonidal cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is a pocket of hair, skin and oils, that can be above your buttocks or on either side of the buttock cleft. A pilonidal cyst looks like a large pimple or bump.
Sometimes, a pilonidal cyst can get infected. When this happens, it may fill with pus (a thick white, yellow or green liquid made of dead skin cells and germs, like bacteria). This may be painful.
A pilonidal cyst is usually caused by ingrown hairs that may be inflamed or become infected (irritated and swollen).
Anyone can get a pilonidal cyst, but they may be associated with:
- Thick or rough body hair
- Being overweight
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Sweating more than usual
- Family history of pilonidal cysts
- Smoking
- Wearing tight clothing
A pilonidal cyst is a pocket of hair, skin and oils, that can be above your child's buttocks or on either side of the buttock cleft. A pilonidal cyst looks like a large pimple or bump.
Symptoms of a pilonidal cyst may include:
- Sometimes simple swelling just above your buttocks
- Pain and swelling (if the cyst becomes inflamed or infected)
- Hair coming out of the cyst
- Pus or blood draining from an opening in the skin
- Bad smell from the cyst
- Tenderness around the cyst
- Fever (not often)
