Skin infections are serious problems that will oftentimes require treatment to correct. The pilonidal disease is a somewhat common skin infection that occurs at the crease of the buttocks.
When a person is affected by this disease, they will likely experience a range of symptoms that extend from the development of a mass in the area to nausea and a fever. The symptoms can worsen when left untreated, which is why it's important to get the issue looked at early on.
What Is Pilonidal Disease?
This is a type of infection that occurs around the crease of the buttocks. This is a common condition that can worsen over time if the condition is left untreated. The labeling of pilonidal disease applies to everything from singular cysts to a type of chronic disease that appears on a regular basis. The main complications that can result from this disease include a pilonidal sinus and abscesses, both of which are worse to deal with than the standard symptoms of pilonidal disease.
How This Disease Is Caused
It's not currently known what exactly causes the development of pilonidal disease. The current belief is that hairs that grow in the area become further embedded into the skin, which leads to an infection. When the hairs have become ingrown, the body likely reacts to this issue by causing inflammation in the surrounding area. If the condition isn't treated immediately, a cyst may develop around the inflammation, which can itself worsen over time. The first signs that you're suffering from this condition will be swelling in the immediate vicinity. Any signs of this disease should be checked out by a doctor immediately so that they can determine if surgery by an anorectal surgeon is necessary.
Primary Symptoms of Pilonidal Disease
Among the first symptoms that most people experience when affected by pilonidal disease is pain, which can be severe depending on the size of the swelling. This pain will typically worsen when you're sitting down or putting some kind of pressure on the area. The swelling can either be large or may appear as a small dimple. The area will sometimes appear to be reddened and may feel tender to the touch. It's also possible for fluid to drain from the area, which could appear to be bloody or cloudy in color.
Treatment Methods Used for Pilonidal Disease
The treatment method that's used for your case of pilonidal disease depends on how severe the disease has become. If you have developed an abscess in the area because of this disease, the abscess may simply be drained, which occurs when a small incision is made in the area. After this drainage, the swelling and inflammation that you're experiencing should dissipate as well. If the infection is a complex or recurring one, surgery may be necessary. The primary procedures used for the treatment of pilonidal disease involve the unroofing or excision of any sinuses. Open surgical procedures are more complex but can provide better results.