General MedicineGeneral Medicine
Tailbone Cyst (Pilondial Cyst)
Virtual visit

Tailbone cyst (pilonidal cyst)

A cyst near the tailbone, also called a pilonidal cyst, can range from a minor nuisance to a painful, infected abscess needing prompt attention. A visit with a clinician determines where things stand and guides next steps, whether that's medical management, drainage, or a referral for a procedure.

1:1 virtual visit with a clinician experienced in primary care and surgical referral

Insurance accepted, with clear pricing per visit

A care plan built from your full health history

Visit options

We'll check any insurance and show you your options before you book.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified clinicians

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What to expect from a tailbone cyst (pilonidal cyst) visit

1

Share your health story

Answer a few questions about your goals and concerns. We'll gather your full health history from past providers.

2

Meet your clinician

Pick a time that works for you. They'll review your history beforehand, so your visit can be used to listen and dig deeper.

3

Get your care plan

Leave with clear next steps and a personalized care plan. If you need medication, labs, or a specialist, your clinician handles the details.

4

Own your health

Track your progress, schedule follow-ups, and adjust care as your needs evolve.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

Reasons to book your pilonidal cyst visit

A painful or infected pilonidal cyst won't get better on its own. This visit assesses severity and determines whether drainage or further treatment is needed.

You have pain, swelling, or a lump near the top of your buttocks or tailbone

The area has become increasingly red, warm, or tender

You've noticed drainage or discharge from the cyst

You have a fever alongside the local symptoms

Sitting or certain activities has become painful because of the area

You've had this before and want to discuss how to prevent it from coming back

What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get a real plan for your tailbone cyst

Frequently asked questions

What is a pilonidal cyst and what causes it?

A pilonidal cyst is a cyst or abscess that develops in the cleft between the buttocks near the tailbone, typically containing hair and skin debris. It's thought to result from hair puncturing the skin and becoming embedded — worsened by prolonged sitting, friction, and deep natal cleft anatomy.

What are the signs that a pilonidal cyst is infected?

An infected pilonidal cyst (abscess) presents with increasing pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and often drainage of pus or blood from the area. Fever may be present. Seek prompt in-person evaluation if you notice these signs — an infected cyst usually needs drainage and shouldn't be managed at home. A simple cyst without infection may cause intermittent discomfort or swelling without acute inflammatory signs.

Does a pilonidal abscess always require surgery?

Acute pilonidal abscesses require incision and drainage — a minor procedure typically performed in office or urgent care settings. Definitive surgical treatment is a separate, elective procedure to remove the sinus tract and prevent recurrence, recommended after the acute infection has resolved.

Will it come back after treatment?

Recurrence rates after simple incision and drainage alone are high — up to 40–50%. Definitive excision surgery significantly reduces but doesn't eliminate recurrence risk. Hair removal from the area, meticulous hygiene, and avoiding prolonged sitting are important preventive measures your clinician can walk you through in detail.

What side effects are associated with pilonidal cyst treatments?

Incision and drainage causes temporary pain and requires wound care during healing. Definitive surgical excision involves a longer recovery — open wounds heal by secondary intention over weeks. Wound infection and slow healing are the most common post-surgical complications. Recurrence despite surgery happens in a minority of cases.