Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffCertain 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
- Humphries AE, et al. Evaluation and management of pilonidal disease. The Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:113.
- Sullivan DJ, et al. Pilonidal disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- AL-Khamis A, et al. Healing by primary versus secondary intention after surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD006213.
- Pilonidal disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/pilonidal_disease/. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- 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.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2010.

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