A pilonidal cyst is an air-filled or fluid-filled growth that sometimes contains hair follicles and is located between the tailbone and the anus or in the gluteal crease (between the buttocks). This is usually caused by friction and pressure from long hours of sitting around or by infection from ingrown hairs. These cysts can drain fluids like pus and blood and, when infected, causes an abscess.
Many physicians have varying theories on the cause of pilonidal cysts. Still, most agree that its caused by multiple risk factors. The most widely accepted cause is the presence of thick, coarse ingrown hairs that grow inwards in the skin and cause cyst formation.
How Serious Is a Pilonidal Cyst?
It usually isn’t a serious condition but can be very painful and discomforting for people living with it. Problems usually arise when the cyst isn’t treated; it can become infected and produce fluid with a foul smell. It can also keep recurring and put persons at risk for fatal diseases like cancer.
What Happens If a Pilonidal Cyst Goes Untreated?
The most common complication of a pilonidal cyst is the formation of multiple cysts, especially in cases of chronic inflammation. But this isn’t the only complication associated with a pilonidal cyst; other complications include:
Abscess Formation
When the fluid accumulated in the pilonidal cyst stays for a long time, it forms an abscess in the tissue spaces. The pus is a medium for microbial activity from harmful microbes like staphylococcus.
When this happens, an infection occurs, leading to swelling, tenderness, localized pain, warmth, and purulent discharge. This is usually too serious to be treated at home. A visit to the hospital for surgical drainage or aspiration and prescribed antibiotics would be helpful.
Risk of Cancer
There is an increased risk of cancer for persons with untreated pilonidal cysts. Asides from the chances of a recurrence, improper treatment increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. This is a very aggressive form of skin cancer that causes accelerated growth of squamous cells at the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
Fistula Formation
Pilonidal fistula-in-ano is a rare but possible complication that can arise from an untreated pilonidal cyst. When an untreated cyst/sinus spreads through the tissues and reaches the anal canal, it forms a fistula. This fistula is an infected tunnel that extends from the skin to the anal wall.
Five Home Treatments for Pilonidal Cysts
Applying a Warm/Hot Compress
After cleaning the gluteal area, get a sterile washcloth and a bowl of warm water. Soak the washcloth in warm or hot water and hold it for 3-5 minutes till the pain subsides. The warmth helps drain fluid/pus in the cyst through hair follicles, relieving pain. This should be repeated twice daily until the cyst is fully drained.
Applying Oils
Oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and castor oil are used as home treatments for pilonidal cysts. These oils are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and can be very soothing. These antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent further infection and reduce swelling, which may speed up the healing process.
For tea tree oil, you need to dilute the oil with warm water, one part oil, and ten parts water. Clean the gluteal area, apply the solution and leave it on for 15 - 20 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times every day.
For castor oil treatment, a cotton ball should be soaked with the oil and applied to the affected area. Depending on the severity, this should be left for 20-30 minutes or overnight. This should be done 2-3 times daily until symptoms subside and the cyst disappears.
For coconut oil, you’ll need half a teaspoon of coconut oil which would be applied directly on the affected area and left for 2-3 hours. It would be best if you repeated this twice every day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, also called sweet cider, possesses antimicrobial properties due to acetic acid. This may help prevent pilonidal abscess formation from infection. You’ll need the apple cider vinegar solution and a cotton ball to use this treatment method.
You must dilute apple cider with equal parts of water, that is, 1:1. Soak a piece of cotton with the solution and place it on the affected area. This would be in place for 2-3 hours, and you can use a band-aid to secure it. After removal, rinse and dry the area completely. Repeat the process twice daily.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may not drain the cyst fluid, but it possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties may help in reducing swelling and irritation. Apply aloe vera gel on the affected area, leave for 15-25 minutes, rinse off the gel and dry the gluteal area. Repeat this process at least three times daily.
Fenugreek
Furocyst, a fenugreek extract, has been shown to reduce cyst size, and volume, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A similar response is expected for the treatment of pilonidal cysts. To use fenugreek on cysts, get a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and put it to boil. Strain the solution and drink daily until the cyst reduces.
Is Pilonidal Cyst Home Treatment Really Effective?
Most of these home treatments have no studies to specifically show their effectiveness on pilonidal cysts. While some take care of the symptoms like localized swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain, most have no guarantee of the permanence or safety of their treatment.
Conclusion
These home remedies might help treat the symptoms, but proper treatment of the disease is important for optimal health. The complications arising from the poor treatment of pilonidal cysts are fatal, unlike the initial condition itself. Being proactive about your health means getting effective treatment and guidance from a healthcare professional.