Different things may lead to wound development. But how you take care of and manage your wound determines your healing and recovery. Some wounds can go away with at-home care methods, while others require medical intervention. The vital key in wound care is to promote healing and prevent infections. Suppose you have Pilonidal Cysts in Overland Park, the team at Wound Evolution provides professional wound care to enhance healing and restore health. This article talks more about wound care, more so pilonidal cysts.
Table of Contents
What are pilonidal cysts?
They appear as round, swollen ulcers at the bottom of your tailbone. Pilonidal cysts occur when hair penetrates and submerges into your skin.
They can occur to anyone, but pilonidal cysts are common in young people, especially men that sit for prolonged periods, such as truck drivers, pilots.
How do you know you have a pilonidal cyst?
Pilonidal cysts show few to no symptoms during the early stages. As the hair immerses into your skin, it becomes infected, causing the following symptoms.
- Red or irritated skin
- A warm sensation
- Pain
- A foul smell
Without treatment, pilonidal cysts become big, causing symptoms, such as pus or blood drainage.
Who can get pilonidal cysts?
Every individual can develop pilonidal cysts, but some factors may increase your chances, including:
- Excess body hair
- Obesity
- Being a male
- Working for long extended periods of sitting
- Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
- Stiff or coarse hair
Diagnosis of pilonidal cysts
Your provider at Wound Evolution conducts a thorough diagnosis by assessing your medical history and discussing your lifestyle and symptoms. They also carry a physical exam, where you pull down your pants and lie with your face down.
Examining your lower back and the area around your tailbone, helps your provider make a precise diagnosis. Where there is an indication of an infection, your provider may take blood tests to have your white blood cell count.
What are the treatments for pilonidal cysts?
The team at Wound Evolution-Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine treats pilonidal cysts in a quick, in-office procedure.
Your provider administers local anesthesia to numb the area with the cyst. Then make a small incision to draw off the cyst.
Pilonidal cysts can reoccur. When it happens, your provider opts for an advanced surgical procedure to remove the cyst. Afterward, they may leave the wound open or close it with stitches.
The Wound Evolution team may suggest using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve healing. They may also recommend bioengineered skin grafts. Following your doctor’s instructions on wound care will also promote healing.
They may include applying and changing your wound dressings regularly, checking for signs of infections, taking medication as prescribed, and wound cleaning.
Pilonidal cysts can develop on anyone but are common to men and people who sit for an extended period, such as bus and truck drivers or pilots. If you have excessive hair, you may also develop cysts. Proper wound care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, improves your healing. If you notice some symptoms related to pilonidal cysts or need wound care, talk to Wound Evolution-Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine providers today.