Home Treatment

Home treatment for pilonidal disease focuses on keeping the area clean and, if you undergo surgery, following instructions on taking care of the area.

If you have a pilonidal cyst and no symptoms of infection or discomfort:

• Keep the area dry and clean.
• Wear cotton underwear and clothing.
• Shave the area or use a hair-removing lotion (depilatory) to remove hair if your doctor advises. Some people choose to keep hair away longer by having electrolysis in the area. Electrolysis uses a low-voltage electric current to remove hair. Talk with your doctor about the best method of hair removal for you.
• Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods.
• Monitor the area for signs of infection, such as discomfort, redness, swelling, pain, a cloudy or bloody discharge, or a fever over 100.5°F (38.1°C).

If you have a pilonidal cyst with symptoms of infection:

• Contact your doctor.
• Keep the area dry and clean.
• Shave the area if your doctor advises.
• Soak in a warm tub several times a day.
• Take nonprescription pain medication if necessary.

If you have had surgery (excision or incision and drainage) for a pilonidal cyst:

• Your doctor will teach you how to treat the area and provide guidelines on physical activity.
• You will generally have to stay at home and limit physical activity for one or more weeks.
• The healing process can be painful, so prescription or nonprescription pain medication may be necessary.