Pilonidal cysts are abnormal skin growths that appear at the tailbones. These cysts contain skin debris and hair that can be easily infected.
When infected, it can become quite painful and you may have to undergo a minor surgery to drain it.
This condition is quite common among young men; in fact, they’re affected 4 times more frequently than women.
Like any other condition out there, Pilonidal cyst can affect anyone, regardless of fame or fortune, and several well-known personalities have openly discussed their battles with it.
Here is a quick list of some of these celebrities and how they’ve coped with this often debilitating condition.
1. Aanchal Munjal
The popular Bollywood actress is known and loved for her bubbly nature and beautiful smile.
Munjal started her career in 2008 when she featured in “Dhoom Machaao Dhoom” a popular TV series.
She has also featured in several Bollywood movies including “Bade ACCHE Lagte Hain.”
Unfortunately, she disappeared from the public for a few months in 2020 after being diagnosed with pilonidal cyst.
Back in July 2020, she discovered a boil on her tailbone that kept bursting, but she didn’t understand what was going on.
Eventually, she went to the hospital and was diagnosed with this condition. The doctors had to insert a drain pipe 24/7 to help drain it. She underwent surgery and is now feeling better.
2. Liam Bolton
Bolton is a popular U.K. comedian who is loved in the North West circuit for his unique experimental comedy skits.
He also featured and co-wrote “Danger Precinct,” a web series that featured various big names including Jonathan Mayor.
In one of his standups, he shared his experience with Pilonidal cyst, a weird condition, which he converted into a unique joke that had everyone laughing.
However, he finished the joke by saying that he didn’t have the surgery done and is yet to confirm if he is completely healed.
3. Scottie Scheffler
Back in 2022, Scottie missed the cut in the tour championship that took place in Memphis for medical reasons.
He said that he had sustained a “weird little injury” that affected his game. He had a pilonidal cyst that made it impossible for him to even bend down. The condition made it hard for him to swing and even walk during the DP World Tournament.
Fortunately, the medical team was around and performed the procedure on him to relieve the condition’s pressure. After undergoing the procedure, it took over a week for the pain to subside.
4. Hillary Zink
Zink is a popular TikToker with over 500k followers and has amassed about 21 million likes over the years.
Back in 2020, she shared a video of her experience with a pilonidal cyst. She claimed that her thong nearly killed her after it left her with a painful infection.
The video got over 5 million views, but the good thing is that her mother convinced her to go to the hospital.
When she arrived home, she went to the hospital and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove the abscess.
When the doctors made the cut, she couldn’t believe how bad the abscess smelt. Even though she was laughing while sharing the story, she did confirm that it is a dangerous condition and it could have ended her life.
5. Rush Limbaugh
Limbaugh was a controversial political commentator who dealt with several scandals. He hosted a TV show between 1992 and 1996 and was a prominent conservative voice in the 90s.
Other than being known for various conservative statements, did you know that the late Rush had a pilonidal cyst?
Rush missed being drafted for the Vietnam War because he had a pilonidal cyst.
6. Josh Potter
The popular comedian and podcaster battled with pilonidal cyst for over a decade. The pain was unbearable, so he had Dr. Drew and Nurse Nadav examine it to see if it needed surgery.
The whole procedure was aired on YouTube and the Doctor confirmed that he had to undergo an operation to eliminate the condition.
The Main Causes of Pilonidal Cyst
The leading cause of this condition is loose hair puncturing your skin. Basically, pressure and friction from wearing tight clothing, sitting for an extended period, or cycling can force the hair to puncture your skin. This will force your body to produce cyst to help push the hair out which can be a very painful experience.
The Bottom Line
The stories of these celebrities battling pilonidal cysts serve as a reminder that health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their status or success. By sharing their experiences, these stars have helped raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition, inspiring others to seek treatment and support. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing that even in the glamorous world of Hollywood, health remains a priority.
