Would laser hair removal at the tailbone/top of butt crack area help prevent a pilonidal abscess/cyst?

Question

I’ve developed an abscess on the top of my butt crack twice within the timespan of a month. I’m wondering if laser hair removal in that area would be a good idea.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser hair removal can help prevent recurrent pilonidal cysts or abscesses. I do this routinely both pre and post surgery. Make sure you are under the supervision of an experienced physician to prevent complications. Best wishes.

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal will likely help prevent recurrent pilonidal abscesses.  The cause is actually due to hairs that have fallen out from other parts of the skin and that hair getting trapped in the pilonidal pits.  So having less hair on your back and back side will decrease the chance of getting another abscess.

Would laser hair removal at the tailbone/top of butt crack area help prevent a pilonidal abscess/cyst?

Answers (2)