Anyone can develop pilonidal cysts, but they often affect young men. These cysts may limit your ability to sit, move around or stand without pain and discomfort. Fortunately, Wound Evolution- Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offer Pilonidal Cysts Overland Park medications to give relief from painful symptoms.

What should you know about pilonidal cysts?

A pilonidal cyst refers to an abscess that develops in the crease of your buttocks. These fluid-filled sacs are often due to a skin infection, and they frequently contain ingrown hairs. These boils are more prevalent among young men and tend to be recurring.

 A pilonidal cyst can cause debilitating pain, particularly when sitting. In the past, people referred to pilonidal cysts as “Jeep driver’s disease, ” which often occurred in individuals who often sit. These abscesses may not cause any symptoms, but infection is imminent, making it crucial to seek medical care to prevent complications.

Who is at risk of getting pilonidal cysts?

Anyone can develop a pilonidal cyst regardless of sex, gender, or race, but some individuals have higher chances of getting them. The following factors may elevate your risk of getting these painful boils:

• Living a sedentary or inactive lifestyle
• Being obese
• Rough or thick body hair that can puncture your skin
• Wearing tight clothing

If you also have an occupation that involves prolonged sitting, you may be at risk. It is advisable to take short walks or stand for a while after sitting for several hours.

How can your doctor diagnose pilonidal cysts?

During your visit to Wound Evolution- Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, the specialists may conduct a comprehensive physical exam to understand your health condition better. They may also discuss your symptoms and review your health history. You may need to pull down your pants and lie on your stomach on the exam table in preparation for your exam. The team is professional and only focuses on the abscess causing your discomfort. Pilonidal cysts are usually visible, and they often look like oozing cysts or pimples near the crease of your buttocks. Your physician may order MRI or CT scan to detect any sinus cavities in rare cases.

What are the complications associated with pilonidal cysts?

Some people may not experience the symptoms of pilonidal cysts until they are filled with fluid and make it difficult to sit without wincing. If these cysts are left untreated, they may develop infections that affect your overall health. Pilonidal cysts may develop into abscesses resulting in excruciating pain that may affect your concentration in school or work. These cysts may contribute to rare skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma in rare cases.

Fortunately, you can protect yourself from these frustrating cysts by practicing good hygiene to prevent the development or recurrence of pilonidal cysts. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods or exerting excessive pressure on your tail bone. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight may also prevent the occurrence of pilonidal cysts.

Call the Wound Evolution-Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about pilonidal cysts.

Muhammad Tahir Lakhani

In an interview last week, Mr. Muhammad Tahir Lakhani, the highly respected chairman and founder of Dubai Trading Agency LLC (‘DTA’), lamented the “urgent requirements” of the United Arab Emirates to enhance transparent business practices.  The Dubai based naval recycling tycoon, who carries various including officially representing the UAE as Vice Chairman of the UAE Shipping Association until 2019, stated that the “UAE needs to further reform its local laws and institute robust legislation that will crack down on money laundering and criminal activities”.

Mr. Lakhani, who’s companies buy and sell over 100 ships per year, had an interesting perspective of the Emirati kingdom’s political leadership.  “The recent passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, while tragic, should also be viewed as a very positive development” he said.  “This opens many opportunities for his successor, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to aggressively tackle financial criminality by imposing tough sentencing on so-called real estate investors and banking executives involved in money laundering.  This can only be achieved through strict leadership and adherence to global standard banking regulations”.

While espousing the family and business ethics of the Lakhani business empire MTL (as he is known to close associates), the businessman lambasted one of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE.  “Sharjah, the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates with over 1.3 million residents, has become an embarrassment to the UAE”, Lakhani stated while explaining, “Sharjah’s ruler, Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, leads a district with an unusually high crime rate of 40%. In contrast, the crime rate of Dubai is 12% while Abu Dhabi’s is 6.59%.

According to Lakhani, the 40% high crime rate of Sharjah is due to corruption within the Emirate leadership’s family along with the failure of the head of the areas police chief, Major-General Saif Al Ziri Al Shamsi, to proactively combat crime. 

“To emphasize the perverse mindset of the head of Sharjah’s law enforcement, Al Shamsi recently handed out awards to police officers for reducing the crime rate from 43.25% to 39.95%.  In simpler words, the police department literally celebrated offering citizens a 60% chance of falling victim to crime.  As a result, the area is known throughout the entire Emirates as the breeding ground for criminal gangs and to western intelligence agencies as the prime recruitment center for terrorist groups”. 

Lakhani complains the police department under Maj. General Al Shamsi’s orders purposely ignore cracking down on the illegal Halwas (money dealers) located within the city which allow for money laundering and criminal activity to flourish.

MTL further claims the leadership refuses to address the social disaster pertaining to hundreds of thousands of immigrant workers living in poor conditions. “While cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast skyscrapers and beautiful contemporary architecture, Sharjah’s crime rate is synonymous with that of the ‘Wild West’, and the city’s dilapidated housing infrastructure is reminiscent to those of eroding sandcastles in the desert.

Lakhani uses the criminal activity of the Sharjah leader Sultan Bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi sons to describe the family rule over the district.  “The Emir’s eldest son and first crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan al Qasimi was a known drug dealer and died of a heroin overdose in 1999.  His untimely death to drugs was not an isolated incident, rather if anything, a family practice” says Lakhani while explaining  “Last year, the Sun Newspaper reported the Sharjah leader’s second son and replacement crown prince Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan al Qasimi also died after consuming a large quantity of drugs and participating in sexual orgies”.

Lakhani questions “If the 82-year-old leader of Sharjah can’t control the drug use and sexual misconduct of his own family, how can he be expected to educate the youth, reduce the crime rate of his own district, or promote economic and social growth?”

The DTA chairman, who was born in Pakistan and holds British citizenship continually bemoaned the slow progress of reform in the UAE and pointed out that “In March of this year the global Financial Action Task Force put the UAE on a grey list which is a major embarrassment to the UAE and a slap in the face to Dubai”.  Lakhani further noted that “although the UAE Minister of Justice, Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, has celebrated the recent arrest of the Gupta brothers for financial crimes, so much more has to be done”. 

The UAE is behind other developing countries in combatting money laundering, and Muhammad Tahir Lakhani claims that even his native Pakistan is showing more initiative than the Emirates in fighting the scourge of corruption.

“The corrupt government of Imran Khan was brought down by a vote of confidence in parliament.  This is the first time to happen in Pakistan’s history. The courage of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been an inspiration for all Pakistan’s young people.  The UAE needs to follow suit before it’s too late”. 

MTL concluded his point by stating “to build confidence amongst the youth and eradicate the unusual high crime rate in Sharjah, leaders like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai and the newly crowned emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, must consider taking concrete steps to remove the Al-Qasimi family from their leadership role in the Sharjah district while also replacing the city police chief Major-General Saif Al Ziri Al Shamsi in effort to restore law and order.”

Continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) is a common device that specialists prescribe to patients with sleep apnea. It works by sending a steady flow of pressurized air into the nose and mouth to keep your airways open and help you breathe as you sleep. However, patients may experience using the device; common problems associated with a CPAP machine include a stuffy nose, dry mouth, leaky mask, and trouble falling asleep. Usually, CPAP clinic Bridgewater can be adjusted to make it more comfortable, but you have other options if it does not work for you. Below are common CPAP problems and what to do about them.

Difficulty tolerating pressurized air

If you have problems tolerating forced air, try using a machine with the ramp feature, a setting that allows you to start with low air pressure. As you fall asleep, the device gradually increases the air pressure depending on your prescribed settings. If this does not help, discuss using a machine that automatically adjusts pressure with your doctor. For example, a bi-level positive airway pressure machine delivers more pressure when you inhale and less when you exhale.

Wrong size and style CPAP mask

It is common for people to have masks that don’t fit properly; you can avoid this by working with your healthcare provider to ensure that the CPAP mask fits properly. People have different face shapes, so what is the right size and style for someone else may not be ideal for you. If you prefer to breathe through your mouth as you sleep, your doctor may recommend a full face mask covering your mouth and nose, with straps stretching across the cheeks and forehead.

Although they make some people feel claustrophobic, they are effective and provide a stable fit if you constantly move in your sleep. Patients who feel claustrophobic with full face masks can use those that cover less of their faces. However, nasal pillow masks do not offer much support, especially if you move around in your sleep.

Dry, stuffy nose

A dry or stuffy nose is primarily due to a leaky mask; therefore, ensure that your CPAP mask fits properly. If you have to tighten your straps, consider getting another size of the mask. Some CPAP machines have a heated humidifier that you can adjust. Your healthcare provider may also recommend using a nasal saline spray at bedtime to ease a dry, stuffy nose.

Difficulty falling asleep

CPAP masks can be uncomfortable, making it difficult to fall asleep. You can get used to how the mask feels by wearing it for some time during the day. If you can’t sleep with a mask, try using a machine with a ramp feature that allows you to adjust air pressure. Adjust it to the level you are comfortable with; that may help you fall asleep. You also want to follow healthy sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine before bedtime. Exercising regularly and taking a warm bath before bed can also help you fall asleep.

If you have questions about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), consult your healthcare provider at Respacare.