That bump on your butt could turn out to be a pilonidal cyst or abscess, or an MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus) skin infection.
A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac (cyst) that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) in close proximity to, or on the natal cleft of, the buttocks, and usually contains hair and skin debris. Pilonidal means ‘nest of hair’ and is derived from Latin terms for hair and nest.
According to most researchers, pilonidal cysts are caused by ingrown hair, i.e., the penetration of loose hairs into the skin. The cysts often are painful, affect men more than women, are more common in Caucasians, and typically occur between ages 15 to 24.
Repetitive trauma to the sacrococcygeal area and sitting for excessive lengths of time may predispose people to the condition because they increase pressure on the coccyx area. During World War II, over 80,000 soldiers developed pilonidal cysts from riding in bumpy Jeeps for long periods of time, giving the cysts the nickname ‘Jeep disease.’
Treatment includes antibiotic therapy, hot compresses, and the application of depilatory creams. In severe cases, lancing the cyst or surgical removal may be required.
Another possibility is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. MRSA skin infections commonly occur on the buttocks and often appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that is red, swollen or painful, warm to the touch, and filled with pus or other drainage.
Treatment includes having your doctor drain the infection (don’t try to do so yourself) and may include a treatment of antibiotics. Cover the infected area, and be sure to toss any bandages in the trash. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing the bandage or touching the infected area.
Be sure to contact your doctor when MRSA symptoms are accompanied by a fever.
A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac (cyst) that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) in close proximity to, or on the natal cleft of, the buttocks, and usually contains hair and skin debris. Pilonidal means ‘nest of hair’ and is derived from Latin terms for hair and nest.
According to most researchers, pilonidal cysts are caused by ingrown hair, i.e., the penetration of loose hairs into the skin. The cysts often are painful, affect men more than women, are more common in Caucasians, and typically occur between ages 15 to 24.
Repetitive trauma to the sacrococcygeal area and sitting for excessive lengths of time may predispose people to the condition because they increase pressure on the coccyx area. During World War II, over 80,000 soldiers developed pilonidal cysts from riding in bumpy Jeeps for long periods of time, giving the cysts the nickname ‘Jeep disease.’
Treatment includes antibiotic therapy, hot compresses, and the application of depilatory creams. In severe cases, lancing the cyst or surgical removal may be required.
Another possibility is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. MRSA skin infections commonly occur on the buttocks and often appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that is red, swollen or painful, warm to the touch, and filled with pus or other drainage.
Treatment includes having your doctor drain the infection (don’t try to do so yourself) and may include a treatment of antibiotics. Cover the infected area, and be sure to toss any bandages in the trash. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing the bandage or touching the infected area.
Be sure to contact your doctor when MRSA symptoms are accompanied by a fever.
