An infected pilonidal cyst is an abscess that requires cutting and drainage in order to improve. This can usually be done in a doctor's surgery or in the emergency department. After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, an cut with a scalpel is made over the infected area. The doctor will then drain the pus and remove hair and any other debris from the wound. The wound is then packed with gauze and allowed to heal. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless your doctor feels that you have a spreading skin infection (cellulitis). Pain relief will often be prescribed.
Attribution: BUPA