Have you undergone surgery or received treatment for curing the pilonidal disease? The colorectal specialist chooses the right method for a faster remedy. However, although pilonidal cyst symptoms go away, there is a chance of recurrence. So, how will you prevent this condition from causing problems repeatedly? Although you may not find any foolproof way to avoid recurrence, it is essential to take precautionary steps.
We have provided some tips for preventing recurrent pilonidal sinuses or cysts. You can also consult a colorectal surgeon to keep away from the symptoms of pilonidal sinus.
What is the average frequency of pilonidal disease?
A pilonidal sinus refers to a small tunnel or hole in your skin. The tunnel may be full of pus or fluid, and it leads to the formation of an abscess or cyst. It emerges in the cleft of your buttocks. If you have a pilonidal cyst, it contains debris, dirt, and hair. The condition will become more painful, and you will find signs of infection. Regardless of your condition, you will need treatment. Nevertheless, there is a high risk of recurring symptoms.
According to a study, 22% of patients who have undergone pilonidal cyst surgery experienced a recurrence of the symptoms. However, depending on the treatment you have chosen, there is a variation in the recurrence rate. So, if your surgeon has removed the sinus and performed a closure at the infected site, the chance of recurrence is around 42%.
Often, it takes several years for the pilonidal cyst to recur. Only in a few cases, the pilonidal condition recurs in the first year after undergoing surgery. But, in the majority of cases, the recurrence happens after 5 to 6 years.
What are the potential reasons behind recurrences?
Some patients have multiple sinus tracts during their initial surgeries. However, there is also a chance of getting the sinus symptoms undetected. But, after a certain period, the tract starts causing problems, and you may need another surgical treatment.
Again, many patients experience a new emergence of pilonidal cysts after the initial round. The factors that caused the pilonidal disorder the first time are the same in the second case. According to colorectal specialists, pressure on your buttocks increases the risk of recurrences.
The most important thing to avoid the disease in the future is to transform the lifestyle. If you do not do so, you will find a development of a sinus tract. In case you experience a recurrence within 6 months, the biggest problem is the new sinus tract.
Tips for preventing the recurrence of pilonidal sinus
After undergoing pilonidal sinus surgery, you should be careful to avoid recurrence. Your doctor will also provide post-surgery care tips.
Decide on the most effective treatment
The choice of the appropriate treatment is the most important factor for achieving a long-term result. So, you should contact the most reliable colorectal specialist to get the right remedy. For instance, some specialists recommend laser ablation to treat the sinus tract. Some scientific studies have revealed that the recurrence rate is low if you have chosen this treatment.
Follow your doctor’s directions
Regardless of the process applied for treating the pilonidal cyst infection, your doctor will provide some post-care directions. If you do not follow them, there is a higher risk of infection at the wound. You may also schedule an appointment to clean the wound. The affected part should be kept dry all the time. Besides, the open surgical site needs packing regularly to ensure a faster recovery.
Remove the excess hair frequently-
Pilonidal sinus is very common for those who have excessive body hair. So, you should remove hairs grown on their buttock. Doctors may recommend using depilatory lotions for removing hair from the part. You can also shave the site to avoid problems from hair growth. If you slow down the growth of ingrown hair, you can prevent the recurrence of pilonidal conditions for several years.
Stay active
People with a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of having pilonidal cysts. If you sit on your chair for a number of hours, it causes pressure on your buttock’s cleft. So, try to stay active in different ways. Hair will not force its way under your skin.
Moreover, an active lifestyle will enable you to lower your body weight. Being obese and overweight, you may have a risk of suffering from pilonidal cysts. Thus, you should control your weight and avoid the chance of pilonidal cyst recurrence.
Maintain hygiene in the affected part
Pilonidal cysts can recur at the same site several times. So, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene at the site. You must cleanse the area daily using mild soap. Make sure that you have removed the soap residues thoroughly. Instead of rubbing the skin harshly, you should do it slowly and gently. Dry the site after washing it.Â
So, these are some ways to avoid the recurrence of the pilonidal disease. Contact the best specialist to get more tips for preventing further problems in the future.
