To treat a pilonidal sinus, a general surgeon first drains it using a simple method. For this purpose, the area is anesthetized and a small incision is made on the cyst to drain it. After draining the pus and other content, the wound is covered with sterile gauze or sutured. The surgeon may also prescribe the patient to take antibiotics to prevent infections. If the cysts appear again, the surgeon may decide to remove them in a surgical procedure.
The method for treating a pilonidal sinus is laser surgery by an experienced and proficient general surgeon and laser surgery specialist. This method not only minimizes the risk of recurrence but also does not require the tough postoperative care of conventional surgery.
Here you can find some home remedies that can help you reduce the pain and inflammation caused by a pilonidal sinus. These home remedies also help you prevent the recurrence of this disease.
Natural remedies for pilonidal sinus
Natural remedies used for a pilonidal sinus cannot definitively treat this condition. As mentioned earlier, home and natural remedies only help to take care of a pilonidal sinus. The only definitive treatment for a pilonidal sinus is the drainage and removal of the affected tissue by a general surgeon. Home remedies can reduce the risk of recurrence of pilonidal sinus.
1-Pilonidal sinus home remedies with Warm compress:
Making warm compresses several times a day can greatly relieve inflammation because the resulting heat reduces inflammation and thus relieves pain. To this end, get a clean towel and a bucket of warm water. Soak the towel in warm water, squeeze it, and then place it on the affected area. Repeat it as many times as necessary until your pain and inflammation subside.
Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil facilitates the healing of a pilonidal sinus
2-Tea tree oil and Pilonidal sinus home remedies
The oil extracted from the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can reduce inflammation, prevent inflammation, and facilitate the healing process of a pilonidal sinus. To take advantage of the properties of this plant, dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a ratio of 1:10 and apply the resulting solution on the area. After 15 minutes, wash the area thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry well. You can achieve the desired result if you use this home remedy 2 or 3 times a day.
3-Pilonidal sinus remedies with Castor oil
Since castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and has anti-inflammatory effects, it can reduce inflammation around a pilonidal sinus. To use it for this purpose, soak a sterile cotton ball in warm castor and then use it to gently rub the area. Then leave the area for 20-30 minutes or even overnight. You can use this method 2 or 3 times a day.
3-Coconut oil for pilonidal sinus remedies
Because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, coconut oil can reduce the pain and inflammation caused by a pilonidal sinus. To this end, apply half a teaspoon of organic coconut oil on the affected area and then left the area for a few hours. You can repeat it 2 times a day.
Epsom salt not only relieves pain but also helps the discharge of pus from the cyst
4-Epsom salt:
The magnesium content of Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation. Epsom salt not only relieves pain but also helps the discharge of pus from the cyst. To use this home remedy, take a 15- to 20-minute warm bathtub containing a cup of Epsom salt. You do so whenever necessary.
Antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar help prevent an infected pilonidal sinus.
6-Apple cider vinegar for pilonidal cyst treatment
The antimicrobial effects of apple cider vinegar prevent the infected pilonidal sinus and, thereby, facilitate the healing process. To use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for a pilonidal sinus, dilute it with water, soak a sterile cotton ball in the resulting solution, and then gently press it on the affected area. You can cover the area with a bandage for a few hours. Then remove the bandage and wash the area. You can repeat this remedy twice a day.
7- Pilonidal Cyst home remedies with Turmeric
The curcumin existing in turmeric helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area. Make a paste of turmeric by mixing a tablespoon of turmeric powder with water and then apply the paste on the affected area and leave it to dry. You can wash and clean the area after a few minutes. In addition, you can grind the turmeric roots and then apply them on the area. You can use this technique twice a day.
8-Black tea bag for pilonidal cyst home remedies
The anti-inflammatory properties of black tea may help treat swelling and inflammation caused by pilonidal sinus. To use these properties, soak a black tea bag in warm water for 5-6 minutes and wait for the tea bag to cool slightly. Then apply it on the affected area for 8-10 minutes. You can repeat it 3 or 4 times a day.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of aloe Vera can effectively reduce the pain and irritation caused by a pilonidal sinus
9-Aloe Vera for pilonidal cyst home remedies
Studies indicate have proven the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of aloe vera; these properties can reduce the pain and irritation caused by a pilonidal sinus. Take some aloe vera gel and apply it on the affected area. Then wash the area with water after 20-30 minutes. You can use this home remedy 3 or 4 times a day and repeat it whenever necessary.
10-Fenugreek pilonidal cyst home remedies
Recent evidence suggests that fenugreek extract can help to reduce the size of cysts in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Similarly, it can help treat a pilonidal sinus. For this purpose, boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and drink the strained extract. You can have this extract once a day until you achieve the desired result.
11-Burdock and honey for pilonidal sinus home remedies
The burdock root is an excellent herbal remedy for several skin infections. The active ingredients of this plant remove toxins from the body and also help reduce the symptoms of pilonidal sinus. To this end, mix half a teaspoon of dried burdock root powder with a tablespoon of honey to make a paste. Apply this paste on the cyst and keep it there for a few hours. You can use this home remedy 2 or 3 times a day and repeat it whenever necessary.
Dried burdock root powder helps reduce the symptoms of pilonidal sinus
12-Home remedies for pilonidal cyst with Onion
Since onions show antimicrobial properties against a large number of bacteria, they can be useful for treating a pilonidal sinus. For this purpose, cut a thick piece of onion and put it on the cyst and then cover the area with a bandage. You can change the onion slices every 2-3 hours. It is noteworthy that onions may sometimes irritate the skin; as a result, it is recommended to first test it on a small area of the skin.
Witch hazel
13-Witch hazel:
Witch hazel is commonly used for local acne washing because its anti-inflammatory properties can improve acne. These properties can be also helpful in treating pilonidal sinus. The astringent tannins of the witch hazel can shrink the cyst and its anti-inflammatory effects can reduce its pain.
Is it possible to treat pilonidal sinus with a chemical depilatory?
One of the main causes of pilonidal sinus is the non-removal of excess hair of the anal area. The removal of excess hair with a chemical depilatory or any other substance can only prevent the occurrence or recurrence of pilonidal sinus or control its symptoms. However, since such substances may irritate the skin, they may sometimes exacerbate the disease by damaging the skin.
Conclusion
It is recommended to test natural topical remedies on a small area of the body before using them. To this end, apply a small amount of such substances to your forearm and wait 24 hours to see whether you are allergic to them. However, allergies to these ingredients are observed in rare cases. If a home remedy causes discomfort, irritation, or other unusual symptoms, you should discontinue using it immediately. Note that such home remedies can only improve a pilonidal sinus partially but cannot completely remove it. If a pilonidal sinus remains untreated, it may lead to infections and endanger your life. Therefore, whenever you face such conditions, it is recommended to consult your physician to prescribe the most appropriate treatments for you. Note that the only way to definitively treat pilonidal sinus is to visit a physician.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about home remedies for pilonidal sinus
1-How a pilonidal sinus can be treated with chemical depilatories?
It is not possible to treat pilonidal sinus with a chemical depilatory, but you can use it to remove excess hair from the anal area to keep the area clean and dry. You should be careful not to damage the skin and tissue of the area when using a chemical depilatory.
2-How is the nonsurgical treatment of pilonidal sinus?
If a pilonidal sinus has formed a wall, it is necessary to drain the cyst wall through an appropriate method such as conventional surgery or laser surgery. Otherwise, you cannot definitively treat pilonidal sinus with home and herbal remedies. Nonsurgical methods are used only to prevent the disease or shorten its recovery period.
3-How is it possible to treat pilonidal sinus with salt?
Since salt is used to disinfect different parts of the body, diluted saline solution can be applied to reduce severe infections of the anal area. Note that this solution is a way to only reduce pain and infection and cannot completely treat this disease.
4-How is it possible to drain the pus of a pilonidal sinus?
You need to visit a general surgeon to drain the pus and infections of a pilonidal sinus. Although pus and discharges may drain on their own due to pressure and late treatment, it is necessary to drain the cyst even after its burst.