Pilonidal Disease Symptoms : Basic Rules To Avoid Pilonidal Infection

Causes Of Pilonidal Diseases

Pilonidal disease is an infection that occurs mostly in the follicles of the hair present in the cleft between the buttocks. This mostly affects teenagers in whom the sex hormones affect the pilosebaceous gland and affect the normal growth of body hair. Some people naturally have large skin pores at the base of the spine, which become even more enlarged due to friction and movement, leading neighboring hairs to grow into the follicles present in the abscess and cause local infection. Bacteria and fungi may also attack these infected follicles, causing pain and discomfort in the area. As a result of this condition, a cyst may form beneath the pit on the surface of the skin, which might have to be surgically treated. Lack of proper personal hygiene, frequent stress or injury to the skin surrounding the anal opening and heredity are some of the primary causes that predispose a person to pilonidal disease. The most common symptoms of this disease are local swelling and redness accompanied with pain, discharge of fluid, pus or blood, tenderness and heat in the area, mild fever, nausea and general exhaustion.

There are a few basic rules you must follow to avoid pilonidal infection and cyst formation. When the follicular infection starts to heal, either without treatment or after the administration of medicines, you must always keep the anal region dry and clean. Always wear comfortable cotton underwear that soaks up excessive perspiration and prevents the region from becoming damp. This helps prevent local microbial growth and thereby minimizes the risk of the formation of a cyst. It is also advisable to get rid of body hair from the region by using mechanical means like shaving or electrolysis. It is also suggested that you do not sit on hard surfaces for too long at a stretch, as this causes undue stress on the already delicate tissues of the area and may lead to the recurrence of the infection. Avoid stretching exercises that involve your hips and legs, as this might cause natural wear and tear to the skin cells in the affected area and worsen the condition. Soaking yourself in tub of lukewarm bathwater is also known to help ease pain and swelling. You should also regularly wipe the cleft between the buttocks with a piece of gauze soaked in some glycerin. This not only soothes the inflamed skin cells and brings relief but also aids the natural healing process.