Print Overview Pilonidal cyst Enlarge image Close Pilonidal cyst Pilonidal cyst A pilonidal cyst is an unusual pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. A pilonidal (pie-low-NIE-dul) cyst is an unusual pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. The cyst is almost always near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts usually occur when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, it can be very painful. The cyst can be drained through a small cut in the skin. Sometimes, surgery is needed. Pilonidal cysts are most common in young adult males, and the problem tends to recur. People who sit for long periods of time are at higher risk of developing pilonidal cysts.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsA pilonidal cyst may not cause symptoms. But if it's infected, the skin around the cyst may be swollen and painful. Symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include: A pit near the top of the buttocks crease. Pain. Inflamed, swollen skin. Pus or blood leaking from an opening in the skin. An odor from draining pus. When to see a doctorIf you notice any symptoms of a pilonidal cyst, see your health care provider. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesThe cause of most pilonidal cysts is loose hairs that puncture the skin. Friction and pressure from rubbed skin, tight clothing, cycling or long periods of sitting can force hair into the skin. The body creates a cyst around the hair to try to push it out. Most pilonidal cysts form on the tailbone. People who groom animals or cut hair can develop a cyst between their fingers. Risk factorsFactors that might increase your risk of a pilonidal cyst include: Being a young adult white male. Being overweight. Having an inactive lifestyle. Sitting for long periods at a time. Having thick, stiff body hair. ComplicationsSome people have pilonidal cysts that become infected again and again over a long time. Without treatment, these people may be at increased risk of a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. PreventionTo help prevent pilonidal cysts, try to: Wash regularly. Achieve or maintain a healthy weight. Avoid prolonged sitting. If you've had pilonidal cysts in the past, you might want to regularly shave the affected area or use hair removal products to reduce the risk of a new cyst. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Oct. 04, 2024 Print Show references Roberts JR, et al., eds. Incision and drainage. In: Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022. Pilonidal disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/pilonidal-disease. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022. Ferri FF. Pilonidal disease. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022. Cutaneous cysts. In: McKee's Pathology of the Skin. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry