Pilonidal Cyst Center - Altoona, PA
Altoona Dermatologist Doctors for Pilonidal CystType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Altoona * Blair Medical Associates  Altoona Dermatology Associates  Altoona Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Richard E Johnson MD  King-Maceyko Dermatology Associates  King-Maceyko Dermatology Associates  Kim Hatcher MD  Geisinger Medical Group Lewistown  Westmoreland Dermatology Associates  Westmoreland Dermatology Associates  Westmoreland Dermatology Associates  Westmoreland Dermatology Associates  Drs Glasser & Pica  Drs Glasser & Pica  Serge N Kolev MD  Belvedere Medical Center  Alicia Baum MD  Dermatology Associates Of West County  Dermatology Associates  Jeffrey G Weaver DO  Dermatology Associates  Dermatology Associates  Jeffrey G Weaver DO  Allegheny Dermatology Associates PC  Dermatologic Care Inc  Bernard Palus MD  Dermatological Associates PC  Dermatological Associates PC Altoona, PennsylvaniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-08
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Pilonidal CystRead the Pilonidal Cyst article » What is a pilonidal cyst?A pilonidal cyst is a fluid-filled sac (cyst) that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) near the cleft of the buttocks. These cysts usually contain hair and skin debris. The term pilonidal is derived from the Latin words pilus (hair) and nidus (nest). Individuals with a pilonidal cyst may not have any symptoms at all or they may develop infection of the cyst (pilonidal abscess) with associated pain and inflammation.
What causes a pilonidal cyst?Though there are several theories, most researchers believe that pilonidal cysts are caused by the penetration of loose hairs into the skin. In response to this ingrown hair, a local inflammatory reaction causes a cyst to form around the hair. Excessive pressure or repetitive traumas to the sacrococcygeal area are thought to predispose individuals to develop the cysts. These conditions can also irritate existing pilonidal cysts. During World War II, more than 80,000 soldiers developed pilonidal cysts requiring hospitalization. Because so many of the afflicted servicemen rode in bumpy Jeeps for prolonged periods of time, it was termed "Jeep disease."
Who is at risk for developing a pilonidal cyst?Pilonidal cysts occur more frequently in men than in women. They are also more common in Caucasians and in individuals who have an occupation that requires long periods of sitting. Pilonidal cysts usually occur in people between the ages of 15-24, and they are uncommon in people over the age of 40.
What are the signs and symptoms of a pilonidal cyst?As previously mentioned, some individuals with a pilonidal cyst may not have symptoms, and the only finding may be a dimple or an opening in the skin (sinus tract) near the cleft of the buttocks. However, if the pilonidal cyst becomes infected (pilonidal abscess), th... Recommended Reading Related to Pilonidal CystAches, pain, fever facts
Other Related Pilonidal Cyst ArticlesEmergency Contact for Altoona
Nearby Altoona Hospitals *Altoona Regional Health System Bon Secours Hospital Campus Altoona Regional Hospital James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center HEALTHSOUTH Altoona Rehabilitation Hospital Nason Hospital Tyrone Hospital Miners Medical Center J C Blair Memorial Hospital Windber Medical Center Crichton Rehabilitation Center Memorial Medical Center Lee Campus Good Samaritan Medical Center Memorial Medical Center Select Specialty Hospital Johnstown UPMC Bedford Memorial Mount Nittany Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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