Diet for Pilonidal Sinus - Foods to Take and Avoid

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rajeshwari Panda

Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 3 July 2024| min read

Diet for Pilonidal Sinus - Foods to Take and Avoid

Quick Summary

Pilonidal sinus is a painful condition that is highly prevalent in young males.
You may require medical attention to diagnose and treat a pilonidal sinus.
Following a pilonidal sinus food diet after surgery is important for proper wound healing.

Table of Contents

What is Pilonidal Sinus?
Role of Pilonidal Sinus Diet
Pilonidal Sinus Diet
Pilonidal Cyst Food to Avoid
Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions
References

What is Pilonidal Sinus?

pilonidal sinus image

A pilonidal sinus or pilonidal cyst is a small tunnel or hole in the crease of the buttocks, anywhere between the tailbone and the anus. Ingrown hair in the crease of the buttocks can cause a skin infection, leading to a pilonidal sinus or pilonidal cyst.

Some pilonidal cysts are not visible, while others can appear like small pits. The condition can be excruciating, especially while sitting and defecating.

The doctor may recommend surgery if you have a chronic pilonidal cyst that causes unbearable pain and discomfort. Therefore, diet after pilonidal sinus surgery is essential to heal the wound. Pilonidal sinus food diet must include food items rich in protein for rapid healing of the wound.

To read Pilonidal Sinus Diet in Hindi, you can visit "पाइलोनिडल साइनस के लिए डाइट चार्ट - क्या खाना खाएं क्या नहीं?"

Role of Pilonidal Sinus Diet

Diet plays an important role in curing any condition. If you have a pilonidal cyst disease, a balanced diet with a moderate amount of proteins and high amounts of fibre and other vital nutrients would help cure the condition. Therefore, it is essential to follow a diet after pilonidal sinus surgery.

Pilonidal sinus food diet must include proteins to boost healing, and skin regeneration in your body. Fibre helps in proper digestion and also helps eliminate straining during bowel movement as straining leads to tissue damage of the anorectal region. Thus, if you have developed a pilonidal cyst, you must follow a proper pilonidal cyst diet.

Pilonidal Sinus Diet

You can include the following natural herbs in your pilonidal sinus diet to soothe inflammation and irritation caused due to the pilonidal cyst. Moreover, a healthy diet after pilonidal sinus surgery promotes a healthy body and reduces the risk of infections. A pilonidal cyst diet must include the following:

Protein-rich foods: Protein intake is essential for normal body functions and tissue repair. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian sources of protein for your body. While vegetarian sources include peas, soybean, pulses, beans, nuts, raw milk, and cottage cheese, non-vegetarian sources include eggs and fish.
Fibre-rich foods: Without enough fibre, you may have difficulty passing stool. Straining in your abdominal region can put pressure on the pilonidal sinus aggravating the condition. High-fibre foods like guava, pineapple, pears, carrots, oats, beetroots, etc., are a must to include in the pilonidal sinus diet as they can help you recover from a pilonidal sinus.
Vitamin-rich foods: You can include vitamins in a pilonidal sinus food diet. Vitamin C and zinc promote the healing of the cyst. Foods rich in vitamin C include papaya, mango, berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, etc. Furthermore, vitamin A supplements can boost tissue repair.
Fenugreek: It has antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and immunological properties that help control inflammation in the body. You can reduce the swelling in the affected area by combining fenugreek powder with hot water.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has multiple health benefits. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help fight infection and relieve pain and irritation in the pilonidal cyst.
Garlic: Consume garlic juice twice a day to cure pilonidal cysts since it works well to treat skin diseases. It has antifungal and antibiotic properties that help to strengthen the immune system.
Turmeric: The main component in turmeric is curcumin, which has effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Add a tablespoon of turmeric powder to a glass of lukewarm milk or water to lower inflammation and improve the healing process.
Honey: It is a natural product that contains several vitamins and minerals with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Add one teaspoon of honey to lukewarm water and drink it to promote the healing of the pilonidal sinus.

Pilonidal Cyst Food to Avoid

When you have pilonidal sinus, you must avoid all unhealthy food items. These food items can have a negative impact on your overall health. Moreover, you should avoid food items contributing to weight gain as obesity can increase your risk of pilonidal sinus. Some of the pilonidal cyst food to avoid are mentioned below:

Caffeine and alcohol: Consuming caffeine or alcohol can lead to your body passing extra water, leaving it dehydrated. This can cause several problems, such as constipation which can worsen pilonidal sinus symptoms. Some hot beverages like tea can have similar effects.
Junk food: Highly processed food items that lack nutritious value can contribute to several health issues. Junk foods include chips, readymade snacks, baked goods, carbonated and sweetened beverages, candies, sweets, desserts, and more.
Deep-fried food: These food items are rich in fats that can contribute to weight gain. Moreover, they are difficult to digest, putting unnecessary strain during bowel movements.
Spicy food: Eating spicy foods can lead to diarrhoea, causing pain and strain on your body during bowel movements. As a result, it will worsen your pilonidal sinus symptoms.

Takeaway

A pilonidal sinus infection is undoubtedly uncomfortable and challenging to treat. It is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Pilonidal sinus is typically treated by surgery. You can take some self-care steps like following a balanced diet after pilonidal sinus surgery in addition to the treatment that includes natural herbs that are efficient in treating and minimising pilonidal cyst symptoms.

If the pain and discomfort become unbearable due to pilonidal sinus, consult a healthcare professional. You can contact HexaHealth to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options with expert doctors. Get in touch with us TODAY!

Frequently Asked Questions

What must be the diet after pilonidal sinus surgery?

The diet after pilonidal sinus surgery must include a moderate amount of protein and food items rich in fibre and other nutrients. While protein is essential for tissue repair, fibre can help you easily pass stools. Furthermore, you can include some natural herbs in your diet, such as garlic, turmeric, fenugreek, etc.

How can I reduce my pilonidal sinus?

Laser treatment for pilonidal sinus can be an effective method to reduce its size and swelling. However, certain self-care methods like a pilonidal sinus food diet, a hot compress, exercise, and some prescribed medicines can also temporarily reduce the swelling.

Is walking good for a pilonidal cyst?

The risk of pilonidal sinus is high in people who sit for long periods as it puts pressure on the area above the buttocks where the cyst develops. If your job makes you sit most of the day, ensure walking for a few minutes every hour and perform some exercise for pilonidal sinus. Walking improves blood flow and prevents constipation.

Can a pilonidal sinus get bigger?

A pilonidal sinus is a hole or swelling that starts under the skin near the tailbone. While in some cases, the cyst may remain small, in other cases, it can grow larger. When the pilonidal sinus is infected, it becomes an abscess (swollen mass).

Will Epsom salt help a pilonidal cyst?

Yes, Epsom salt can help a pilonidal cyst as it discharges pus from the cyst. Soaking the affected area in an Epsom salt bath can kill bacteria, wash away debris, and reduce swelling. However, you should consult a doctor before using any such remedy.

Does everyone have a pilonidal sinus?

Pilonidal sinus can occur in anyone at any age. However, they are most common in men, people between the ages of 20 to 35, people with coarse hair, or workers who sit all day.

Is pilonidal sinus an emergency?

Though a pilonidal sinus is not an emergency, it can become infected and can therefore require medical attention. An infected pilonidal sinus can lead to an abscess formation, causing pain, drainage, and a foul smell.

Should I worry about a pilonidal sinus?

Pilonidal sinus is a common condition that most people do not notice until it becomes infected or causes symptoms. You may require treatment like laser surgery or Pilonidal Cystectomy when the cyst becomes infected and causes severe pain.

Is pilonidal sinus genetic?

In some cases, a pilonidal sinus can be genetic. For instance, you may develop a pilonidal sinus if stiff or coarse body hair runs in your family.

Can a pilonidal cyst cause bowel problems?

Bowel issues may result from a pilonidal cyst. Most of the time, people may not even experience any symptoms, and it will eventually heal. There may be fluid oozing from the region; it could be hazy, clear, or bloody. You should visit your doctor if you are in pain or have other symptoms.