<p>this may be an indelicate topic, but I could use some suggestions. Anyone have a nifty home remedy to address a small pilonidal cyst flare up? DS has had a previous minor problem a few yrs back (uncomfortable but did not require surgery), and is now having some discomfort again. Before he starts the go-to-the-student-health-clinic-get-referred-to-a-surgeon route, I wondered if there was something he can try that can alleviate the discomfort. He will seek out a place to sit in a tub (not easily accessible on campus) and take some otc anti inflammatories if necessary, but I don’t believe antibiotics are necessarily appropriate if there isn’t an obvious infection (and he has no bump or anything). He’s also had a BAD reaction to an antibiotic in the past (ended up in the hospital for 3 days) so we’d prefer to avoid that if possible. Any great home remedies out there??</p>
<p>Hot compresses, hot soaks in the tub 3-4 times a day (impossible for a college kid-I know) and antiinflamatories. Unfortunatley, if there is discomfort there is most likely infection. That is why it suddenly starts hurting. It will either point and drain, or will need draining. (Unless antibiotics catch it early.)</p>
<p>If he has a sink in his room, he can try the hot compresses since bath won’t work. Also, trip to the pharmacy might yield some heated compress (like for back) that can be cut to smaller size or some creams that heat up the area for sore muscles. Unfortuanately, for us, heat just brought to head so could drain.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. Maybe he just needs to stop sitting on airplanes flying to visit his girlfriend! :)</p>