What treats pilonidal cyst ?

Shaving, surgery: Uncomplicated cysts can often be managed with shaving the area. Dislodged hairs that work into the cyst cause the infection. Of course, some folks who aren't hairy have pilonidal cysts. If local swelling and pain occurs, infection is likely. Antibiotics can often treat the acute symptoms unless there is a frank abscess- that needs drainage. Recurrent symptoms usually require resection of the cyst.

Hair removal : Pilonidal cyst is actually a misnomer. It is best called pilonidal disease. It is due to ingrown hair in the inter gluteal crease. The treatment is two fold. A surgeon needs to remove the chronically inflamed tissue that is beneath the skin either by an open or closed technique, followed by lifelong hair control at the source. Methods include laser removal, shaving, and depilatories.

Surgery: The only treatment for pilonidal disease is surgery. There are numerous surgeries offered for this. Ultimately, it will be what your surgeon is most comfortable with and has done most often.

Infected?: Abx will NOT cure a pilonidal cyst. They can help clear the infection and surrounding cellulitis that can occur when the cyst becomes infected. .... but not the cyst itself. The cyst needs to be removed if bothering you. If not bothering you can be safely watched.