Persistent Pus Despite Multiple Antibiotic Courses?
Age: 26, Female. I’m dealing with a pilonidal cyst that seems relentless in producing pus. My treatment began with Bactrim DS on December 3rd. After culturing the infection, the results on December 10th indicated the necessity for Augmentin, which I subsequently started. Throughout this entire period, pus has been continuously draining, even prior to beginning the Bactrim treatment. The cyst ruptured on November 30th, and I consulted a dermatologist on December 3rd, during which they performed a minor incision to clean the area. I’m quite concerned that, even after all this time, there’s still a significant amount of purulent discharge. The initial antibiotic course was only for 10 days, although I was given a 14-day regimen of Bactrim.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 3:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the ongoing pus drainage from your pilonidal cyst, especially after multiple courses of antibiotics. Persistent drainage can indicate that the infection is not fully resolved, even after treatment.
Explanation: A pilonidal cyst can be stubborn, particularly if there is an underlying infection or if the cyst is not fully drained. Antibiotics can help manage infection, but if the cyst is still producing pus, it may mean that there is leftover infected tissue or debris that needs to be addressed. Since you have already tried two different antibiotics without improvement, it is important to consider other solutions.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the amount and color of the pus. If there is increased redness, swelling, or you develop a fever, it may indicate worsening infection.
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Maintain Cleanliness: Continue to keep the area clean and dry. Use mild soap and avoid any irritants that may aggravate the cyst.
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Consider Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the area several times a day can help promote drainage and relieve discomfort.
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Evaluate for Further Intervention: If pus continues to drain after your current antibiotics are done, and symptoms do not improve, it may be necessary to discuss options for drainage or surgical intervention with a healthcare provider who specializes in this field. Consider a follow-up appointment to discuss persistent symptoms, as further procedures may be necessary to address the cyst adequately.
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Document Everything: Keep a symptom diary noting any changes in the discharge, pain levels, or new symptoms, which can assist any healthcare provider in understanding your progress.
Staying proactive about monitoring your situation is crucial. If you notice no improvement in the next week after finishing antibiotics, reaching out to a healthcare provider for further assessment will be important to resolve this issue effectively.
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