Pilonidal cyst

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Certain factors can make you more susceptible to developing pilonidal cysts. These include:

  • Obesity
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Occupation or sports requiring prolonged sitting
  • Excess body hair
  • Stiff or coarse hair
  • Poor hygiene
  • Excess sweating
References
  1. Humphries AE, et al. Evaluation and management of pilonidal disease. The Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:113.
  2. Sullivan DJ, et al. Pilonidal disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
  3. AL-Khamis A, et al. Healing by primary versus secondary intention after surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD006213.
  4. Pilonidal disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/pilonidal_disease/. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  5. Bullard Dunn KM, et al. Colon, rectum and anus. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5015668&searchStr=pilonidal+cyst#5015668. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  6. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2010.
DS00747 June 17, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger