Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Location and Treatment for Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst is a closed sac under the skin at the top of the crease between the buttocks. Mild cases may be managed by keeping the area free of hair, such as shaving the area once a month.
Other treatment methods for pilonidal cysts include:
- Incision and drainage: Your doctor will make a simple cut (incision) in the cyst. This allows the fluid to drain out of the cyst.
- Excision (surgery): Your doctor will do surgery (excision) to remove the whole cyst. This may be done if the cyst gets infected again, doesn't heal after being drained, or has more than one opening.
Last Revised: November 15, 2011
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
