A pilonidal cyst is an extremely small pocket-shaped sac, which is usually found to develop on the skin near the tailbone and just above the buttock section.

Different populations and geographical areas can have different levels of pilonidal cyst prevalence.

• An estimated 26 out of every 100,000 people in the general population are thought to be affected by the condition.⁸ However, some subgroups may have a higher prevalence than others.
• Young adults between the ages of 15 and 30 are more likely to develop pilonidal cysts. Males are more likely to have the condition than females are, with a male-to-female ratio between 2:1 and 5:1. There may be hormonal, anatomical, and behavioral explanations for this gender disparity.

Following are the list of possible signs and symptoms for this:

• Pain: The person may experience difficulty in sitting due to excessive pain and tenderness around the affected area. The severity can vary from minor to extreme throbbing pain.
• Redness and Swelling: The person may observe redness and inflammation around the buttock area.
• Drainage: In very exceptional and extreme situations, the cyst may lead to the formation of a small hole, through which an odorous fluid puss pass, which may comprise blood and hair.
• Infection: When a cyst gets infected, it can cause more discomfort, tenderness, and the development of an abscess.

Following are certain preventive measures one can follow:

• Take a Break: Taking a break for a minute or walking around especially when you are feeling uncomfortable due to the seat surface is recommended.
• Keep up good hygiene: Practice cleaning the tailbone area with mild soap and drying it before.
• Practice Hair Removal: For people who have a genetic disposition for hair growth in the tailbone area, it is recommended they need to clean and remove hair carefully.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes: Since tight-fitted clothes create friction, and also reduce airflow, accompanied by accumulation of sweat, which altogether creates a favorable environment that promotes bacterial infection in the buttock area.