Recurrent Cyst On Perineum. Is It Herpes?

Posted on Wed, 10 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 Answered on

Sat, 4 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a cyst on my perineum that turned into an abscess- i had it cut out about 2 yrs ago but it has returned...its not an abscess this time but puss comes out of it...how likely is this to be herpes? Ive had this problem for years... was tested about 5 years ago and came up clean... am just worried... also this creates a problem for me at work with chafing- very painfull

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (3 hours later)

Hi
Welcome to XXXXXXX

The herpes do not cause any discharge but it is a viral infection that forms rash on the body which is very painful. so it is not herpes

The cyst re occurs until it is removed along with its wall however as you have stated you are having this problem for years and there is continuous discharge coming out of it then it is most obvious that it might be a sinus or a fistula.

It is recommended to visit general surgeon for evaluation. In both cases it needs to be excised along its epithelial walls

If you still have some query, feel free to ask

Thanks
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (43 minutes later)

thank you for your reply...that makes sense... is there anything i can try in the meantime as to avoid surgery again? it seems to discharge fluid and then almost go away for a week or two...but always comes back...i have a feeling that surgery will be unavoidable but if there is anything else i can do.....would appreciate the info. thanks

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (21 hours later)

Thanks for the reply

During both mentioned conditions there is formation of a tract which is lined by an epithelial layer just like our skin. As skin on our two surfaces never gets attached together, similarly the tract cannot be closed until the epithelial lining is removed, for which surgery is required during which the tract is removed along with epithelial wall. Its a minor procedure and carried out under local and epidural anesthesia.

If you still have some query, feel free to ask

Thanks
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar