10 Causes and Symptoms of Pilonidal Cysts

3. Friction From Clothing

Even seemingly innocuous activities like sitting down or sleeping can cause significant amounts of friction, potential irritating the skin and making an infection more likely. But the amount of friction is largely dependent on the type of clothing you wear. What's also important is the material; synthetic fibers are more likely to cause the skin to become agitated. Cotton, silk, and wool are softer for the skin and reduce irritation. Over time, you might notice your skin becoming red and swollen. These are some of the first signs of a pilonidal cyst.