Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Is it safe to drain a pilonidal cyst yourself?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
No: Without proper medical training you may worsen the situation or further injure yourself. Also it would be nearly impossible for a person to see that area properly & be able to perform incision & drainage & wound packing under sterile conditions.
Answered 8/27/2013
4.9k views
Risky. : Surgery is done in a sterile setting with skin preps that kill bacteria and fungi to prevent the introduction of infection. Even if your cyst is alrdy infected you could introduce something nastier. And draining is only temporary. Ideally you need the cyst and any sinuses cut out and removed. If it ruptures at home u might b able to hold off surgery with abx for a while. But eventually it's back
Answered 5/3/2017
710 views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I had a pilonidal cyst that was drained a few weeks ago, its been over 2 weeks since I last had pain. Now the wound site is a bit tender and swollen why?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Had pilonidal cyst months ago. It drained. Now I feel itchy, bump forming in same area again. How can I prevent this from getting worse?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I have a few small fluid-filled lumps around a scar from where I had a pilonidal cyst drained a couple years ago. No sign of cyst beneath skin.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
My pilonidal cyst just popped at home, my partner helped drain it, i now feel like I'm going to faint and I'm sleepy. Seek ER attention immediately?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
How can I stop a pilonidal cyst from draining pus, my boyfriend has seen a doctor and they said their is nothing he can do yet since it just started?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
Pilonidal cyst drained, do I need to look after cut?
Does a pilonidal cyst that is asymptomatic need to be drained or operated on ?
Several years ago I had a pilonidal cyst that had to be cut open and and drained. It healed and I didn't have any problems until about 2 years ago. At first it would bleed for a week stop for a few. Now it bleeds almost daily?
Pilonidal cyst ruptured. Been inflamed for 2 weeks. Bloody pus came out. Should I continue to let drain or go see dr?
I got a pilonidal cyst drained, but still a hard lump after healing , no pain no anything . Will it go away? Is it normal ?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
