How many times can a pilonidal cyst appear and what to do if it occurs?

Pilonidal sinus is an uncomfortable and painful pathology that people do not expect to experience more than once, but how many times can a pilonidal cyst appear and what to do if it occurs?

In this article we reveal the care and actions you should take to prevent the reappearance of pilonidal sinus.

We also mention treatment options that are proven to prevent recurrences.

How many times can a pilonidal cyst appear?

It may not be what you expect to read, but a pilonidal cyst can recur several times if not treated properly.

Pilonidal disease is a chronic and quite common condition in young men, which tends to recur, especially if preventive measures are not rigorously followed.

What we mean by this is that recurrence of pilonidal cysts is relatively common.

Studies have shown that the recurrence rate can vary widely, from 10% to 50%, depending on the type of treatment received and other individual patient factors.

In addition to the type of treatment, skin type and genetic predisposition (aspects that we cannot modify) can influence the likelihood of a pilonidal cyst reappearing.

Treatments for pilonidal cyst

It is important to mention that whenever a pilonidal cyst reappears, it must be addressed seriously and immediately.

There are various effective treatments for this pathology, however, not all of them are capable of reducing the risk of recurrences.

Recommended reading: How is pilonidal sinus treated?

  • Cyst drainage

In the acute phase, when the cyst is infected and painful, drainage is the most common treatment.

This procedure involves incision and drainage of accumulated pus to relieve symptoms.

Although effective in the short term, drainage does not eliminate the root of the problem and therefore does not guarantee that the cyst will not return.

There are cases in which the patient experiences multiple recurrences of the pilonidal cyst over the years.

  • Antibiotics

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the sinus infection; However, this treatment alone is not enough to prevent future recurrences as it does not address the cyst itself.

  • Pilonidal cyst surgery

Surgery is the most definitive option to treat recurrent pilonidal cysts.

There are several surgical techniques for pilonidal sinus, including en bloc excision, modified Karydakis, and other types of flaps.

Does pilonidal cyst surgery prevent the cyst from coming back?

La cirugía del quiste pilonidal es actualmente el tratamiento más efectivo para prevenir recurrencias, pero no puede asegurar completamente que el quiste no vuelva a formarse.

The success rate and likelihood of recurrence depend on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the surgeon’s experience, and the patient’s adherence to postoperative recommendations.

What to do when a pilonidal cyst appears?

When a pilonidal cyst occurs, it is crucial to act quickly to avoid complications. The steps we recommend following are:

  • Consult a specialist

At the first signs of a pilonidal cyst, such as pain, swelling, redness or drainage in the tailbone area, it is essential to consult a coloproctologist.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the progression of the infection.

  • Maintain good hygiene

Proper hygiene is vital to prevent the formation and recurrence of pilonidal cysts.

So, keep the area clean, dry and avoid prolonged friction to reduce the risk of infection.

  • Follow medical recommendations

If you have had drainage or surgery, following your doctor’s instructions carefully is crucial for a successful recovery.

This includes cleaning the wound, using prescribed medications, and follow-up visits.

  • Avoid sedentary lifestyle

Sitting for long periods can aggravate the condition.

It is advisable to get up and move frequently, especially during postoperative recovery.

What you can do to prevent future pilonidal cysts

In addition to treatment, there are preventive measures that can help reduce the likelihood of a pilonidal cyst recurring, such as:

  • Maintain proper daily hygiene: wash the area regularly with mild soap and water.
  • Remove hair from the area: Laser hair removal or hair removal creams can prevent the buildup of hair that causes cysts to form.
  • Usar ropa cómoda: elige ropa interior y pantalones sueltos que no rocen ni irriten la piel.

Innova Cirugía: experts in pilonidal sinus surgery

En resumen, los quistes pilonidales pueden reaparecer varias veces si no se tratan adecuadamente.

What is the best way to prevent this from happening? The key is in the treatment.

Pilonidal sinus surgery is the most effective option to treat sacral cyst and reduce recurrence and it is equally important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations to prevent future cysts.

Si tienes más preguntas o necesitas orientación sobre el tratamiento del quiste pilonidal, no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nuestro centro especializado en cirugía del sinus.

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