A pilonidal cyst is an unnatural pocket in the skin containing skin debris and hair. It appears between your buttocks’ cheeks, and you can notice the symptom when hair penetrates your skin and gets embedded. The most common pilonidal sinus symptoms are redness, pain, and swelling. You may also experience fever and fluid drainage. But, who treats pilonidal cyst? To cure the condition, you should look for the best treatment provider. A vigilant and reliable doctor diagnoses the condition and starts treatment. It is better to avoid treating the disease on your own.
What doctor treats pilonidal cysts?
A proctologist is the best medical professional to restore your condition and alleviate pilonidal sinus symptoms. The highly trained expert is familiar with pilonidal cysts and other colorectal diseases. That is why you can choose a proctologist to get a remedy.
Proctologists are specialists who evaluate and treat conditions of the anus, rectum, and gastrointestinal tract. The term ‘proctologist’ is often replaced by the word ‘colorectal surgeon.
Proctologists have graduated from recognized medical schools. They have undergone a training program to manage the surgical process.
Know about the expertise of proctologists
Although you can approach proctologists for your pilonidal cyst treatment, they can implement different processes for diagnosis.
- Anoscopy: It is intended for detecting problems in the rectum and anus.
- Colonoscopy: It is another technique for analyzing the colon and checking colorectal cancer.
- Endorectal ultrasound: The imaging test lets you diagnose and treat colorectal cancer.
- Digital rectal evaluation: The specialist will use fingers to check the prostate and lower rectum parts.
- Proctoscopy: It is an effective way to check your anus and rectum by taking tissues.
Often, many patients ask- Where can I get a pilonidal cyst removed? If you need surgical treatment, you can look for colorectal surgeons. These specialists apply surgical techniques like robotic surgery and laparoscopy.
Learn about the medical certifications of proctologists
Before going through treatment for pilonidal sinus symptoms, you should check the medical certification of the proctologist. A proctologist has been eligible for the MCAT. After graduation, he also gains MD qualifications.
Besides, proctologists have undergone training through a fellowship program. After achieving success in the residency program, the doctor has to pass the Medical Licensing Examination before working as a proctologist.
When should you contact a proctologist?
You get in touch with a proctologist after receiving a reference from another doctor. Most commonly, physicians refer a proctologist when you have symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding from the anus, and anal burning or itching. A colorectal surgeon can treat your condition after diagnosing the condition.
Is it the right time to consult a pilonidal cyst specialist?
You must schedule an appointment when you experience pilonidal cyst symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness at the bottom of your spine. Fever will also accompany these symptoms. The size of the cyst varies with the patient. It covers a large area or appears as a small dimple.
As an initial treatment, the doctor will prescribe topical creams, hot compresses, and antibiotics. However, in severe cases, the cyst needs to be drained properly.
Your doctor will ask you about a few symptoms-
- Do you have a fever?
- Is it the first time you have had a pilonidal cyst?
- When did you feel the symptoms?
- Have you started taking supplements or medications?
Earlier symptoms of the pilonidal cyst may not cause too much discomfort. To alleviate your pain, you can treat the parts with warm water. In some cases, the cyst opens and drains naturally. You may try out non-prescription medicines to reduce your pain. The affected part must be dry and clean.
Antibiotics cannot be the remedy for a pilonidal cyst. However, doctors treat the conditions in different ways.
The most preferred method for treating pilonidal cysts is to make an incision and cause drainage. The doctor will remove hair follicles to open the wound and pack the space using gauze.
The process is conducted under anesthesia. So, the part near the cyst becomes numb. Make sure you replace the gauze occasionally to facilitate the healing process.
Where can I get a pilonidal cyst removed?
You can contact one of the best pilonidal cyst surgeons to remove the cyst. During surgery, the surgeon removes the hair and pus from the inside. He will stitch the edges to create a pouch. The surgery can be done with a smaller and shallower cut. Thus, there is no need to repack the gauze every day. There are several other surgical processes to treat the condition and ensure recovery. After the surgery, you should keep the part clean. Besides, you should check for signs of infections, pains, and redness. Follow-up appointments are also essential during your post-surgery period. The doctor will monitor the recovery process. But, if the cyst is surgically removed, there is a chance of symptoms appearing again.
The best doctor will provide you with tips for taking care of the affected part. You can look for the most reliable proctologist in your local clinic. Check the qualifications and reputation of the proctologist before scheduling an appointment. The proctologist treats many other conditions of your colon and rectal parts.