Dear Dr. Roach: The article about the boy suffering after surgery for three years from a pilonidal cyst really hit home.
My son developed a pilonidal cyst in June 2012 and also had a very bad infection from it. The surgeon refused to operate while he was infected. The cyst was just gross 鈥� so much blood and other yuck.
Finally, the surgeon gave up and operated since we couldn鈥檛 get rid of the infection.
He had to cut out a lot of tissue in order to not cut across anything infected. For a month, my son was healing great. Then two more holes appeared.
We were heartbroken.
My 17-year-old son, probably feeling like everyone is looking at his private area, was unable to heal and unable to cycle or swim.
Please pass on what finally helped him heal 鈥� laser hair removal! The surgeon told us every patient he sent for hair removal had finally healed, and it truly has been a blessing.
By the time he had his second laser session (two months), it was obvious that the wounds were closing up. We were there today for the fourth session, and they are closed up! Removing the hair made all the difference in the world.
Please pass this on!
M.S.
Thank you for passing on this helpful information. I have received a great deal of mail about this topic, so let me explain a little bit more about pilonidal cysts.
鈥淧ilonidal鈥� means 鈥渘est of hair,鈥� and a cyst is just a fluid-filled sac. They are most commonly found at the base of the spine, just above or within the cleft of the buttocks. Prolonged sitting and sweating seem to predispose some to getting this condition.
Hair is commonly a problem with pilonidal cysts, with hair and debris often found by the surgeon at the time of removal. They can become infected, and many times, this is how they are discovered.
One reader, a nurse, found crystals inside a pilonidal cyst and had success with Regranex, a medication used to help heal diabetic ulcers.
Another reader recommended a surgeon who performed a surgery called a 鈥渃left lift鈥� procedure, which reduces risk of recurrence.
The Pilonidal Support Alliance offers a wealth of information and support.
You can find it on the Web at pilonidal.org.
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Dear Dr. Roach: I am an 87-year-old male in very good health but with constipation. My doctor has me on Metamucil, which helps greatly.
What causes this condition, and is there anything that is more effective?
I keep forgetting to take it on a constant, almost unwavering basis. I have severe flatulence, which strikes at the worst possible times. Any suggestions?
I.H.
Constipation is very common, especially as we get older. Some causes of constipation include not getting enough fibre in one鈥檚 diet, not getting enough exercise and taking in inadequate fluids.
Metamucil is a fibre supplement, and unfortunately, flatulence is a normal side effect of fibre. Taking it every day does help the body get used to it and may reduce side effects, such as gas and bloating.
Make sure you are keeping up your fluid intake and doing plenty of walking.
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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to [email protected] or write him at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.
