How likely is a pilonidal cyst to come back after surgery?

Unfortunately, pilonidal cysts do come back after surgery. Studies show recurrence rates are as high as 30 percent. The cysts may return because the area gets infected again or hair grows near the incision scar. People who have recurrent pilonidal cysts often develop chronic wounds and draining sinuses.

How many times can a pilonidal cyst come back?

Some people undergo treatment for their pilonidal cysts, and never have another issue. However, as many as 20 percent of patients experience at least one recurrence. These cysts can recur within the first six months after treatment, or as many as 20 years later.

What is the approximate rate of recurrence of a pilonidal abscess?

Pilonidal disease still has challenges in its management. Treatment should depend on the extent and severity of the disease. The recurrence rate in this study is approximately 7.2\%. The most predominate factors associated with recurrence were prolong sitting job, young age group, and high BMI.

How can I prevent a pilonidal cyst recurrence?

How can pilonidal cysts be prevented?

1. Regularly washing and drying your buttocks (to keep the area clean).
2. Losing weight (if you are currently overweight) to lower your risk.
3. Avoiding sitting for too long (if your job allows) to keep pressure off the area.
4. Shaving the hair around your buttocks (once a week or more).

Can a cyst come back?

Although cysts can come back after they are removed, this isn’t very common. If you’ve had a cyst treated only to return, you most likely had the cyst drained, rather than completely excised.

Can stress cause a pilonidal cyst?

Embedded hair and ruptured hair follicles aren’t the only possible causes for pilonidal cysts. Trauma, injury, or stress on the skin may potentially cause growths as well. For example, if you tend to sit all day at work, you may place pressure on the cleft between your buttocks.

Does shaving prevent pilonidal cyst?

Preventing another infection To get rid of excess hair and keep it from growing back in the area of the infected sinus, there are two options. either a razor (shaving) or a depilatory cream such as Nair™ is effective in keeping pilonidal disease from coming back.

What causes recurrent pilonidal?

Early recurrence is usually due to failure to identify one or more sinuses at the time of incision and drainage. Later recurrence (more than six months after surgery) is usually due to tension in the midline cleft and a secondary infection caused by further build-up of hair or other debris (Khanzada and Samad, 2007).

How do I stop getting cysts?

Most types of cysts and pseudocysts can’t be prevented. However, there are a few exceptions. Those prone to ovarian cysts may be able to prevent new cysts from forming by using hormonal contraceptives. You can prevent pilonidal cysts from forming by keeping the skin in the affected area clean and dry.

Can a cyst last for years?

Cysts can remain small for years or they can keep growing larger. Sometimes, as noted above, a sebaceous cyst can disappear on its own, but surgery is usually necessary to remove them.