The anatomy of the cleft of the buttocks varies from person to person. In some cases, deep clefts form ideal conditions for the formation of skin infections that lead to a condition called pilonidal disease or pilonidal cyst.
The skin infections lead to sacs that contain pus, fluid, and often, hair. Without treatment, pilonidal disease can develop complications including more serious skin infections.
While pilonidal disease isn’t always serious at first, it can become persistent. It occurs when an open hair follicle in the buttock crease results in hair being pulled under the skin, causing an infection. Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, of Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists uses a treatment approach that improves your chances of making pilonidal disease a “one and done” condition, reducing the risk of recurrence when compared with typical abscess drainage procedures.
The answer is, “probably not.” The unique physiology of the area where pilonidal abscesses form works against spontaneous healing. While some minor cases might clear up on their own, these are rare among the more than 70,000 cases reported annually in the United States.
The problem with pilonidal disease is that it tends to affect people with rough body hair and deep clefts between the buttocks. If you wear tight clothing regularly, have a job where you’re sitting for long hours, or are overweight, you can further aggravate the conditions for pilonidal disease formation.
With chronic pilonidal disease, the infection may be cyclic, draining and reappearing unless medically treated.
The treatment you need for a pilonidal disease depends on the symptoms of your case.
Drainage is common for abscesses in general. However, they have a high rate of recurrence, particularly if they are deep in the buttock cleft. A wound from simple drainage may not heal well, given the dark and damp location.
Antibiotics can help temporarily when the area becomes infected. The bacteria causing skin inflammation die off, but antibiotics won’t eliminate the disease itself.
Local hair removal may help to limit recurrence, as does keeping the buttock cleft area clean and dry. If it’s possible to limit the amount of time you’re sitting, this can reduce the pressure on the cleft. Lowering your body mass may also help.
Choose undergarments that are loose-fitting and made from absorbent natural fibers to help keep the buttock cleft dry.
Dr. Perryman may recommend the Bascom cleft lift procedure to give you the best chance of stopping pilonidal disease for good. Next month, our blog will describe the surgery in detail, along with its primary benefits.
Contact Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists whenever you’re dealing with pain or other symptoms in the area of your buttocks. Book your appointment online or call our Parker, Colorado, office for a treatment consultation.
