Description
A cyst below the tailbone (coccyx) usually containing skin or hair cells. These cysts can become infected and develop into an abscess causing swelling and pain. It is believed they occur when a hair cell grows inward. They are more common in men.
Symptoms
Pain and swelling below the tailbone, skin redness, tenderness, increased warmth, drainage of pus from the skin, hardening of the skin over the swelling, rarely fever.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Family Practice, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Family Practice, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Treatment
Incision and drainage is necessary if an abscess has developed. Antibiotics are not required unless there is a surrounding skin infection (cellulitis). Repeated occurrences may require a surgical removal of the cyst.