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Pilonidal Cyst Center - Amarillo, TX

Amarillo Dermatologist Doctors for Pilonidal Cyst

Type 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 Amarillo *

Advanced Skin Treatment Center
Elaine R Cook
2609 Wolflin Village
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 358-1117

William R East MD
William R East
5211 W 9th
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 355-7421

Mary E Archer MD
Mary E Archer
1900 S Coulter
STE B
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 358-8395

Amarillo Dermatology
Rebecca A McCarthy
4512 Van Winkle Dr
STE M
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806) 358-1497

Amarillo Dermatology
Edward McCarthy
4512 Van Winkle Dr
STE M
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806) 358-1497

Amarillo, Texas

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Pilonidal Cyst

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...

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Emergency Contact for Amarillo

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Amarillo Hospitals *

Panhandle Surgical Hospital
7100 SW 9th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79102
(806)212-0247

Triumph Hospital Amarillo
2828 W 27th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806)351-1600

Amarillo VA Health Care System
6010 Amarillo Blvd W
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)355-9703

Plum Creek Specialty Hospital
5601 Plum Creek Dr
Amarillo, TX 79124
(806)351-1000

Baptist St Anthony Health System
1600 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)212-2000

Northwest Texas Healthcare System
1501 S Coulter Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)354-1000

High Plains Hospital
7501 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806)477-1800

Northwest Texas Surgery Center
3501 S Soncy Rd
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806)359-7999

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