Seek help from a pilonidal surgeon if you experience these symptoms

The pilonidal cyst symptoms are multiple and come in different combinations. In the acute form, pilonidal disease presents with the symptoms of an abscess in or around the buttock crease. These include skin redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. The pain may be throbbing, burning, sharp, or dull. In severe cases, fever and chills may be present. The patient may not be able to sit in a comfortable position. Work and school duties are invariably affected in the short-term. This is the pilonidal symptom complex that leads many patients to uncomfortable drainage procedures in urgent care centers or emergency rooms.

In its chronic form, pilonidal disease presents with the symptoms of a sinus tract in or around the buttock crease. The principal appearance of a sinus tract is a small skin hole which drains pus. Alternately, the sinus tract may drain clear fluid or blood. Often, the skin hole is surrounded by a narrow rim of red, fleshy tissue. The sinus may drain in a constant way, or in an intermittent way. Often, patients have multiple sinus tracts. Also, sinus tracts can form at the site of pilonidal abscess drainage incision. The other chronic presentation is that of a nonhealing pilonidal cystectomy wound from an outside nonspecialist general surgeon.

If you, a loved one, or a friend, suffers from the above symptoms, please seek help from a specialist. PTCNJ is the only specialty center in the Northeastern United States.