Pilonidal Cyst Concerns
At 30 years old and weighing 140 pounds with a height of 5'5", I currently have a pilonidal cyst that is discharging both blood and pus. Should I seek medical attention for this issue, or is it acceptable to leave it as it is due to the drainage?
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 6:50:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s important to take your symptoms seriously, especially since the pilonidal cyst is discharging both blood and pus. While some pilonidal cysts can be managed conservatively, the presence of discharge often indicates that there may be an infection or that the cyst requires further attention.
Why This Matters
The discharge you're experiencing can indicate that bacteria are present, and if left untreated, the condition may worsen, potentially leading to more severe complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection. It’s good that you’re aware of what’s happening, as this awareness can help guide your next steps.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay close attention to any changes. Note the quantity and color of the drainage and look for any signs of increased redness, swelling, or pain around the area.
-
Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and keep it dry. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing that might irritate the skin further.
-
Use Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress can help reduce discomfort and promote drainage if there is an infection.
-
Avoid Sitting for Long Periods: If possible, try to minimize pressure on the area, as sitting can exacerbate discomfort.
-
Seek Medical Attention: Given the discharge of blood and pus, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can assess the cyst, determine if it requires incision and drainage, or possibly antibiotics, and provide personalized care depending on the severity of the infection.
Conclusion
Managing a pilonidal cyst effectively often requires professional input, especially with the symptoms you’ve described. Keeping the area clean and monitoring symptoms are crucial, but don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Your health and comfort are top priorities.
Related Questions
Visual Disturbances: Seeking Guidance
Overview: I’ve been experiencing some ongoing visual disturbances that have prompted me to seek advice. To provide some background, I am a 21-year-old white male in the United States, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing slightly over 170 pounds (though I’m not sure about the precise figure, I know it’s no more than 180). For about seven years, I neglected the need for corrective lenses and found myself spending excessive time in front of screens. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering whether I should consult an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or my general practitioner. What could be the potential causes of these symptoms? They have persisted for quite a while, possibly even years.
Prolonged Exposure to Magnets: A Query about Safety
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old male and I have a question regarding my work habits. I habitually carried a magnet attached to my hard hat to pick up metal shavings and manage wiring diagrams. Given that these magnets are positioned close to my head, I’m wondering about the safety implications. Are there any research findings related to long-term exposure and potential harm? I can't help but notice that when I carried the magnets, I experienced more intense headaches, though it coincided with the hot summer months, leading me to think dehydration might have played a role. I also do not have any medical implants or serious injuries, apart from a previously torn ACL. I'm intrigued about the matter, particularly since my current magnets are quite weak, and I'm considering upgrading to more powerful ones.
Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to seek insights regarding an experience from my adolescent years, roughly between the ages of 12 and 14. I’m currently 25 years old (female). To give you a bit of context, I encountered a troubling incident while bending down to access my locker; suddenly, my neck locked in a position to the side, rendering it completely immobile. The pain was unbearable. In response, my father thought it best to take me to a chiropractor, which seemed to provide some relief, yet I continued to endure significant pain and noticed an unusual odor that lingered for nearly a week. Unfortunately, this episode recurred a few months later, and I underwent the same routine; once again, I experienced that odd smell and extreme discomfort. Since those two occurrences, I have faced similar issues on only a couple of occasions, during which I opted for hospital care instead of chiropractic treatment. The medical professionals provided muscle relaxants, which effectively alleviated my pain without any bizarre lingering odor. Since those formative experiences, I have been left with a constant discomfort in my right shoulder, which feels strained frequently, and I find that my head tends to tilt towards one side. What could have caused this neck locking issue during my youth, and could my decision to visit a chiropractor instead of a physician have led to ongoing complications? I'm eager to understand what happened during those situations!
Frustration Over Medical Error: My Child's X-Rays Were of the Wrong Foot
[Patient: A healthy 2.5-year-old boy, average height and weight] I could really use some support right now. A couple of days ago, my toddler injured his foot while playing on a slide at the park. Since then, he hasn't been able to walk without pain or put weight on that foot, only managing to take a few steps at best. We visited his pediatrician, who performed an examination and concluded that the issue was with his left foot. She requested x-rays for that specific foot. After the x-rays were taken, the results indicated no fractures, merely suggesting a soft tissue injury that would require rest. However, after watching him struggle to move today, I've realized that he's actually favoring his left foot, while it’s his right foot that he's avoiding! They took x-rays of the wrong foot! 🤦♀️ As a parent, I feel absolutely devastated that this error occurred. I find myself overwhelmed with guilt for putting him through unnecessary radiation exposure. They captured around eight pictures of a foot that isn’t injured at all. The financial aspect—having spent $600 on those x-rays—feels secondary to the worry about the radiation and the continued uncertainty regarding whether there’s an actual injury. I'm feeling extremely upset and incompetent as a mother. Maybe someone could help me understand the radiation risk better? I’m really struggling with this situation.