Pilonidal Disease
Home Treatment
Home treatment for pilonidal disease focuses on keeping the area clean and, if you undergo surgery, following instructions on taking care of the area.
If you have a pilonidal cyst and no symptoms of infection or discomfort:
- Keep the area dry and clean.
- Wear cotton underwear and clothing.
- Shave the area or use a hair-removing lotion (depilatory) to remove hair if your doctor advises. Some people choose to keep hair away longer by having electrolysis in the area. Electrolysis uses a low-voltage electric current to remove hair. Talk with your doctor about the best method of hair removal for you.
- Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods.
- Monitor the area for signs of infection, such as discomfort, redness, swelling, pain, a cloudy or bloody discharge, or a fever over 100.5°F (38.1°C).
If you have a pilonidal cyst with symptoms of infection:
- Contact your doctor.
- Keep the area dry and clean.
- Shave the area if your doctor advises.
- Soak in a warm tub several times a day.
- Take nonprescription pain medication if necessary.
If you have had surgery (excision or incision and drainage) for a pilonidal cyst:
- Your doctor will teach you how to treat the area and provide guidelines on physical activity.
- You will generally have to stay at home and limit physical activity for one or more weeks.
- The healing process can be painful, so prescription or nonprescription pain medication may be necessary.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: December 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Topic Overview | |
| Symptoms | |
| Exams and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
 | Home Treatment |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |