A pilonidal abscess is an infection in a pilonidal cyst. It usually develops near the top of the crease between the buttocks. The infection causes a pocket of pus to form. It can be quite painful.
The doctor may have opened and drained the abscess. You can take care of your child at home to help the area heal. In some cases, the abscess returns. The doctor may suggest surgery to remove the site of the infection if it comes back.
Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.
Pilonidal disease is a common skin condition. It usually develops near the top of the crease between the buttocks.
What causes pilonidal disease isn't clear. It may start when loose hair and other skin debris get trapped in the skin, creating a cyst. If the cyst becomes infected, it may form a pocket of pus, called an abscess.
Treatment may include draining the cyst and sometimes having surgery to remove the cyst if it does not clear up on its own.
You may have no symptoms. 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.
A physical exam of the buttocks is usually all doctors need to diagnose pilonidal disease. You probably won't need any other tests unless the area doesn't heal or your doctor thinks there may be another problem.
While you are being treated for an infected cyst:
For cysts that are not causing symptoms or after you have had surgery to remove a cyst:
Keeping the area free of hair may also help. Talk with your doctor about what they recommend.
The exact cause isn't known. But it may start when skin above the buttocks is stretched as a person sits or bends. Loose hair and skin debris can get caught in an enlarged skin pore, creating a cyst. If the cyst gets infected, it can form a pocket of pus called an abscess.
Pilonidal (say "py-luh-NY-dul") disease is a common skin condition. It usually develops at the top of the crease between the buttocks. It may look like a small hole or dimple called a pit. Loose hair and skin debris trapped there can cause an infection or an abscess. It's also called a pilonidal cyst.
You may be able to reduce the risk of infection by keeping the area clean and dry. Your doctor will tell you how to clean the area and if you should keep the area free from hair. Also, try to avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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