People who sit for long periods of time are at higher risk of developing pilonidal cysts.
We recommend patients sit on a cushioned yet supportive surface for as long as tolerated. This helps express seroma fluid from the drain in the week following surgery. We also recommend patients sit the day after the pit-picking procedure.
It's critical that you pick the right sleeping position. This is not the time to lie on your back. That position will put pressure on the most sensitive part of your body right now. You have two options for sleeping positions during the postoperative period: your stomach or your side.
Try to keep pressure off of the buttocks region as much as possible. Friction and excessive pressure can push more hair into the skin pits and further aggravate the condition of pilonidal sinus. For this purpose, you can also get yourself a coccyx pillow that will help minimize the pressure on the cyst region.
Why Does the Cyst Hurt? Most people don't know that they have a cyst until bacteria infect it. The infection can grow large enough to cause significant pain, particularly when you sit down in a chair. Movement can then become an issue if the infection affects the sensory tissues in your buttocks and near your tailbone.
Bowel Movements:
Constipation after pilonidal surgery is due to pain medication. Because pilonidal surgery is not as painful as many procedures, this is not usually a problem. However, constipation is still possible. It is important that you eat regularly and for a while consume enough fiber.
You may shower after 24 hrs. If you have a bolster (bunny tail like roll) and a drain, make sure to cover and prevent this from getting soaked. Taped plastic works well. No alcohol or driving for 24 hours after surgery or while taking pain medicine.
The wound will need 1 to 2 months to heal. In some cases it may take up to 6 months to heal. A problem called complex or recurrent pilonidal disease is a complication of a pilonidal cyst.
Avoid sitting for a long time or sitting on hard surfaces until your incision has healed. Most people are able to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
But if the cyst gets infected, you may have redness or swelling in the area. You may also have a fever. You may have cloudy fluid or blood draining from the cyst. Some people may find it hard to walk or sit because of the pain.
Avoid spicy foods – Spicy foods can cause diarrhoea, pain and excessive stress on your body when passing bowels. This is unhelpful for those living with pilonidal sinus, as it can worsen your symptoms. Certain hot foods and beverages (like tea) can also have the same effect.
Excessive sweating can also contribute to the cause of a pilonidal cyst. Management is variable and guided by the clinical presentation and extent of disease. It is a chronic condition caused when hair and debris become lodged in a small opening or “pit” in the area near the tailbone.
Being active and keeping your body weight in a healthy range are some key benefits for people with infected pilonidal sinus. Your doctor may suggest a few light exercises depending on your condition, to promote physical stimulation.
An open wound can take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Contact your GP to: make an appointment with the practice nurse to change your dressing every day.
Stitches may be removed in 7 to 10 days time. Wounds which are not stitched also heal within 2 or 3 weeks (sometimes longer if there is a large cavity).
To keep a pilonidal sinus from being infected it is very important to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Hair and lint can collect in between the buttock cheeks. Bathe every day, making sure to wash and dry this area well to avoid infection.
For cysts on the scalp we normally use a spray on dressing rather than any bandaging, plasters or strips. Keep this area dry for 1-2 days and then can wash the hair as normal just being careful around the wound. Vaseline can also be applied to the wound 2-3 times a day to help the wound heal.
Pack the wound gently but not tightly with the moist gauze. Use a Q-tip or your finger to ensure that the gauze reaches the bottom of the wound and place it so that all inner wound surfaces are in contact with the moist gauze. Cover with a dry outer dressing and secure with tape or elastic bandage.
In the same study, 97.84% percent of patients expressed satisfaction with their choice to have laser ablation performed for their pilonidal sinus. Is pilonidal cyst surgery worth it? The nearly 98% of respondents who reported satisfaction with their laser procedure would tell you, "Yes, pilonidal surgery is worth it!"
If your child had a pilonidal cyst drained: If the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them as directed. Change or remove the bandage as recommended. Your child shouldn't take a bath or swim until the doctor says it's OK.
In general, patients who have pilonidal cyst surgery can return to regular activities within two to four weeks of the procedure. In fact, you should start to feel better within just one week.