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Sacral cyst - Pilonidal cyst

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This is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the top of the intergluteal fold, above the coccyx. It is more common in young men, especially if they are overweight, and in cases of trauma and a sedentary lifestyle. It is caused by an infection of a pore with hair that grows inside it. The most common symptoms are acute pain, inflammation, secretion of pus and bleeding. Diagnosis is clinical. The initial treatment is drainage and antibiotics. If it comes back, then surgery is required.
Bibliographic references
  1. Daniel J Sullivan, MD, MPH. Intergluteal pilonidal disease: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate, Marzo, 2015.
  2. Khanna A. Pilonidal disease. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2011; 24:46.
  3. Jones DJ. ABC of colorectal diseases. Pilonidal sinus. BMJ 1992; 305:410.
  4. da Silva JH. Pilonidal cyst: cause and treatment. Dis Colon Rectum 2000; 43:1146.
  5. Kitchen P. Pilonidal sinus - management in the primary care setting. Aust Fam Physician 2010; 39:372.
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Collection of pus in the upper fold between the buttocks

    Pus in the anus

    Red and swollen anus

    Pain around the anus

    Pain in anus

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever not relieved by antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks after initial treatment

Self-care

Place a warm, damp cloth over the area to help drain the cyst.
Avoid scratching, squeezing or "bursting" the cyst.
Maintain hand and nail hygiene.
Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.
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