What does pilonidal cyst look like?

A pilonidal cyst looks like a lump, swelling, or abscess at the cleft of the buttock with tenderness, and possibly a draining or bleeding area (sinus). The location of the cyst at the top of the buttocks makes it characteristic for a pilonidal cyst. If infection is severe, blood tests may be performed for diagnosis.

What types of cysts are there?

Some of the more common types of cysts and pseudocysts include the following:

Epidermoid cyst. These are small, benign bumps filled with the protein keratin.
Sebaceous cyst.
Breast cyst.
Pilonidal cyst.
Ovarian cyst.
Baker’s (popliteal) cyst.
Pilar cyst.
Mucous cyst.

Why do pilonidal cysts smell so bad?

While the cyst is not serious, it can become an infection and should therefore be treated. When a pilonidal cyst gets infected, it forms an abscess, eventually draining pus through a sinus. The abscess causes pain, a foul smell, and drainage. This condition is not serious.

How does pilonidal cyst form?

Pilonidal cysts usually occur when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is often extremely painful. The cyst can be drained through a small incision or removed surgically.

What happens if pilonidal cyst goes untreated?

If left untreated, the cyst can drain pus or other fluids, or develop a pilonidal sinus, which is an opening that grows under the skin from the hair follicle. Some of the most common symptoms of a pilonidal cyst infection include skin reddening, pain, and draining of blood or pus.

What is the most common type of cyst?

The most common type of cyst is an epidermoid cyst. This forms in the top layer of the skin when trauma occurs near a hair follicle and the top layer of skin grows inward rather than sloughing off as it should.

What happens if a pilonidal cyst goes untreated?

Will Epsom salt help a pilonidal cyst?

Treatment and surgery Regular salt baths (Epsom salt), dry dressings and hair removal are important in healing of the wound. After a simple drainage of the pilonidal abscess a portion of patients may develop further symptoms, including discharging pus from the pilonidal sinus and recurrent pilonidal abscess.