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 Stys and Pilonidal Cysts - Complications

Will Complications Always Arise?

There are a wide variety of boils, cysts, and associated maladies arising from the bacterium staphylococcus aureus, the primary source of boils and carbuncles.  Most frequently these infections can be treated effectively at home since in many cases, boils are harmless and will clear by themselves in a few days.  Proper care and treatment at home, including compresses or poultices, proper drainage without squeezing the boil, hygiene and in some cases topical ointments, usually ensure the boil is dealt with and no scars remain in their wake.

There are however, instances where complications may arise and further treatment may be required to heal the eruption.  If complications do arise, it is appropriate to obtain medical treatment to both ensure a cessation to the infection as well as to limit any damage which could be done to the body as a result of staph infection.

Complications of Stys

Stys generally have an excellent prognosis and rarely require extensive treatment.  Stys cause no damage to the eye, although they can often recur.  Serious complications are rare; however the infection could spread to other follicles in the eyelid, causing more stys.  The most common form of complication developed from stys is a chalazion, which is a type of scarring in the eyelid's glands which could create cysts.  Chalazia have the potential to be big enough to interfere with vision by deformation of the cornea.  They might also create a cosmetic problem as well.  Cellulitis, which is a general infection, is another potential problem.  If the sty doesn't drain properly it could affect the growth of new eyelashes.  Systemic infection as a result of a sty is extremely rare.

Complications of Pilonidal Cysts

Pilonidal cysts, appearing in the crease of the buttocks near the coccyx, often begin, as do most boils, with ingrown hairs and infection in the follicle.  The skin becomes irritated and inflamed.  The primary complication occurring with a pilonidal cyst is infection.  An infected pilonidal cyst is called a pilonidal abscess and can be very uncomfortable.  An irritated pilonidal cyst becomes infected and will typically hold within it hair, blood and a foul smelling fluid that presents either clear of yellowish as it drains.  Pilonidal cysts are unique to the individual experiencing them and thus a variety of treatments are used to deal with the issue.

Consistent for healing of both stys and pilonidal cysts is proper hygiene and prompt treatment which can keep complications at bay.