Painful Tailbone Swelling: Understanding the Possible Causes

A painful lump at the tailbone can have several causes. The causes of a painful lump near the tailbone are pilonidal cyst, infection, injury, and skin condition. There are various causes of painful growth in the tailbone area; some can be addressed at home, but others will require assistance. It is important to consider the various causes of the uncomfortable tailbone lumps to recover.

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Swelling of the tailbone occurs due to the inflammation of the tailbone. This is usually very irritating, particularly when one is seated or trying to move. It usually comes with irritation and swelling.

 

An infection and a persistent bump in the tailbone should be treated. Knowing the causes of a painful tailbone lump helps understand the necessity for treatment.

 

Pilonidal Cyst

A common cause of tailbone bumps is a pilonidal cyst. Pilonidal cysts form at the crease of the buttocks. A pilonidal cyst is a closed sac that contains hair, keratin, or fluid. The infected cyst may also secrete pus. An infected pilonidal cyst should be properly treated.

 

Pilonidal Abscess

An abscess may result as a complication of a purulent pilonidal cyst. An abscess is a capsule of various consistencies with infected fluid. An abscess presents even more severely than an infected pilonidal cyst. 

A tailbone bump from an abscess is often tender to the touch and warm. The patient may also present with fever and general illness. A pilonidal abscess requires draining by a professional. Never attempt to drain a tailbone abscess.

 

Tailbone Injury

Injury can also be a cause of a tailbone lump. The patient may be able to recall the incident of sitting down incorrectly on their tailbone. Tailbone injuries can be caused by sports, motor vehicle accidents, or other impact injuries. 

 

The tailbone pain is often worse when sitting. Simple tailbone injuries can heal on their own with the avoidance of tailbone pressure. Chronic or severe tailbone injuries should be professionally diagnosed and treated.

 

Skin Infection

The skin infection causes localized swelling, redness, and pain of the tailbone bump. Ingrown hair is a condition where the hair growth process results in hair growing into the skin, thus leading to inflammation. Ingrown hair is one of the leading causes of tailbone bumps. In almost all cases, the ingrown hair will heal itself without any treatment. 

If the tailbone bump resulting from ingrown hair is highly swollen or drained, then seek medical attention for the inflamed follicle.

 

Ingrown Hair

An ingrown hair can also lead to the formation of an inflamed tailbone bump. An ingrown hair results from the hair growing inwards into the skin. Tailbone bumps are usually a result of ingrown hairs. Usually, ingrown hairs do not need any treatment and tend to recover by themselves.

But if an ingrown hair results in severe inflammation and drainage of the bump, see your healthcare provider regarding the inflamed follicle.

 

Cyst or Other Skin Growth

Multiple growths can occur in the tailbone area. Other cysts or bumps can form near or on the tailbone. While rare, these are also potential causes of tailbone lumps. If the tailbone lump is suspicious, it should be professionally diagnosed. 

The growth on the tailbone should be evaluated by a doctor. A medical professional can examine the tailbone growth and decide if there are any further tests or treatment required.

 

Symptoms to Look For

It is essential to detect the symptoms of a tailbone lump. 

The most common signs are:

  • Increased pain

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Warmth

  • Drainage or pus

  • Bleeding

  • Fever

  • A tailbone bump that is quickly growing

  • Pain when sitting

 

All of these symptoms can suggest that there is an infection or inflammation present. Having these symptoms can help with determining the cause of the tailbone lump.

 

What Treatment is Available?

There is no specific treatment for all tailbone lumps. The available treatment depends on the diagnosis. A minor tailbone irritation often only requires mild treatment. Infected tailbone bumps may require draining or antibiotic treatment. Severe or recurring pilonidal cysts may require a different treatment. Never attempt to treat tailbone lumps on your own. This increases the risk of infection and potential sepsis.

 

How to Alleviate Irritation

Avoiding tailbone pressure is an essential part of tailbone care. Sitting should be avoided as much as possible. The tailbone area should be kept clean and dry. Loose clothing should be worn if possible. If tailbone treatment has already been performed, the recommendations of the doctor should be followed. Keeping the area clean is vital to tailbone care.

 

Can You Prevent Tailbone Bumps?

Even though you can not avoid most of the causes, proper hygienic maintenance and prevention of irritation will prevent infection. The patient should visit his physician if tailbone infections are common for him. Prevention methods may be recommended if tailbone bumps are recurring.

Conclusion

 

A painful tailbone bump or swelling can have multiple causes. Any number of conditions can lead to tailbone lumps, from infection to injury to inflammation. A professional diagnosis is often required to properly treat a tailbone lump. Never attempt to remove a tailbone bump or drain a tailbone cyst, as this can cause infection. A professional evaluation can help determine what treatment is needed.

 

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