Some people say that pilonidal disease happens primarily during the summer season. Others are of the opinion that it happens because of being overweight. What happens if you are obese and it is summer? You might be in for double the trouble. A few doctors say that it can be genetic as well, especially if you have inherited heavy hair growth. If you want to understand the pilonidal cyst infection and make sure that it does not happen to you, go through the entire blog carefully.

So basically, a pilonidal cyst infection happens where there is a pocket of tissue on your body. It can be anywhere but the most common site is in between your buttocks. This is right at the tip of your tailbone. This area usually contains a little bit of hair and skin debris as well. This makes it prone to this infection which is not good for you especially if you are overweight.

Remember, pilonidal cyst infections are not contagious. But there can be numerous causes for their formation. A few of them are given below:

• Excessive sweating and friction between your skin tissues
• Being overweight and production of heat in your nether regions
• Inadequate hygiene 
• Thick and dense hair growth
• If you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours 

Symptoms You Should Look Out For

• Swelling and redness 
• Tenderness and pain in the area 
• Blood or pus draining out 
• Foul smell from the fluid 
• Fever and/or chills

Prevent The Formation Of Pilonidal Disease

Your physician is going to recommend that you maintain the highest level of hygiene possible. Also, washing the area right below your spine and tailbone is absolutely essential. You can prevent the development of the pilonidal cyst infection and if you have already been in surgery once to get it removed, it is very much possible to prevent it from recurring and making your life difficult again. Make sure to do the following:

• You can use a mild cleanser or probably a medicated soap that is of a suitable ph level to keep the area clean and dry
• Also, it is better to remove all the hair either by trimming or shaving it away or using any hair removal cream that does not cause irritation or inflammation
• It is also advised to maintain a healthy BMI or probably strive to achieve your ideal weight by working out regularly and maintaining a balanced diet
• Your doctor might suggest avoiding sitting for long hours 
• You can use medicated talcum powders and other drying agents to keep the area free of any excess sweat or moisture

What Is The Diagnosis For Pilonidal Disease?

Even the most well-read doctors and physicians are not certain about the reason for it. It remains to be quite unclear all over the world. But the problem is quite common among young people and especially men in their early 30s and 40s. People who are most likely to develop the pilonidal disease are highly likely to have dense hair growth and hyperactive sweat glands. Also, some people who are involved in active sports that make them sweat profusely might have to face this problem more frequently as compared to individuals who perform moderate activities. The amount of friction that their body has to bear may result in the formation of a cyst. If you suspect that you might have a similar infection, it is better to get a physical examination done right away.

A Few Questions You Should Ask Yourself:

• Are you certain about the symptoms? 
• Do any of them match the ones given above? 
• Has this happened to you before? 
• Do you experience any fever or chills?
• Is there anyone in your family who has a history of the same problem?

Hair Removal - Can It Work To Prevent Pilonidal Disease?

Your physician is going to advise you to perform hair removal regularly. The biggest reason that you may develop a cyst infection is that the hair follicle might grow inward due to excessive pressure or any kind of external weight. Therefore, shaving the area or the hair on that area removed is a very practical option. It is also one of the most effective preventive measures that you should take. Ingrown hairs are the biggest reason for this disease.

Shaving Versus Epilating

Which one is better? It is not a question of your personal choice. According to studies, uprooting your hair or removing them through waxing or epilation increases the chances of developing ingrown hair follicles. For some people, waxing might prove to be a more practical option because they probably don't develop ingrown hairs due to their skin texture. A few others might be more prone to developing this problem which might result in pilonidal disease. Trimming and shaving your hair is very practical and probably the safest option.

So There You Have It

This was a discussion about some of the most effective and useful preventive measures that you can take to prevent the formation of a cyst. It all boils down to the same thing that everybody tells you. Be more active. Maintain a healthy lifestyle along with healthy body weight. Anything in excess always leads to problems whether it is a lack of inactivity or hygiene.