Can I buy more medication for my pilonidal abscess if it hasn't healed after a month?

Question #30300

12 hours ago

Can I buy more medication for my pilonidal abscess if it hasn't healed after a month? - #30300

Client_cdeca1

I was diagnosed by pilonidal abscess and I just finished my medications almost a month ago, still the abscess or cyst is there and cause discomfort, am i allowed to buy another set of the same medicine even without doctors order or my medication is already finished. What is your advised? Please help me, Doctor.

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

8 hours ago

👋 Hi dear
(Pilonidal abscess – 1 month of meds finished, still there, causing discomfort)
Here’s your straight, no-nonsense answer – because the market is competitive, but your health comes first.
❌ Can you buy the same medicine again without a doctor’s order?
NO – Do NOT do that.
Here’s why:
Reason Explanation
💊 Medication won’t cure it now Antibiotics/anti-inflammatories treat infection, but they cannot remove the cyst/sinus cavity
⏰ 1 month is too long If it hasn’t healed by now, more pills = wasted time & risk of resistance
🔁 Needs procedure, not pills Pilonidal abscess that persists = usually needs drainage or surgery (excision / laser / GIPS procedure)
✅ What you should do RIGHT NOW
Step Action
1️⃣ See a general surgeon or colorectal/urology specialist
2️⃣ Get an examination (looking for sinus openings, hair, deep cavity)
3️⃣ Discuss definitive treatment – not just another course of meds
🚫 Do not squeeze or try to drain at home – that makes it worse.
🩺 What actual treatment looks like
· Minor cases: In-office draining + hair removal + wound packing
· Recurrent/persistent: Surgery (excision, closure, or laser pilonidoplasty)
· No more sitting for long hours – use a donut pillow
✅ Bottom line
More medicine will not fix a persisting pilonidal cyst.
You need a doctor’s re-evaluation – likely a minor procedure.
The longer you wait, the more chances of spreading or recurring.
— Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

8 hours ago

Hello
A persistent pilonidal abscess after finishing treatment usually means the underlying cyst or sinus is still present. Even if the pain improved, the lump and discomfort can continue because antibiotics alone often do not remove the actual cyst. Repeating the same medicine without knowing whether there is still active infection may not help and could delay proper treatment or cause antibiotic resistance and stomach side effects.
The safest step is to return to the doctor who treated you or see a general surgeon for reassessment. They may examine whether the area needs drainage, a different antibiotic, wound care, or a planned procedure to remove the sinus tract completely. Many people need a small procedure for full healing, especially if the problem keeps returning or never fully disappears.
Until then, try to keep the area clean, dry, and free from friction. Warm compresses or warm sitz baths may help with discomfort. Avoid tight clothing, prolonged sitting, and shaving the area unless advised by your doctor. If you notice fever, worsening swelling, spreading redness, pus with bad smell, or severe pain, seek medical care promptly because that can suggest ongoing infection.
Take care

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

8 hours ago

Hello
I understand how frustrating it is when a pilonidal abscess or cyst doesn’t fully resolve after medication. Here’s what you need to know:
### Why the Cyst Is Still There
- Medications (usually antibiotics) help treat infection and reduce inflammation, but they rarely cure the underlying cyst.
- The cyst or abscess often needs a minor surgical procedure (drainage or removal) if it keeps coming back or doesn’t go away.
### Should You Take More Medicine?
- Do not buy or take another set of antibiotics without a doctor’s order. Taking antibiotics repeatedly without medical supervision can cause resistance, side effects, and won’t fix the root problem.
- Since your medication course is finished and the cyst is still present, it’s time for a follow-up with your doctor.
### What You Should Do Next
- See your doctor or a surgeon: They can examine the area and decide if you need drainage, removal, or just observation.
- Keep the area clean and dry: Avoid sitting for long periods, wear loose clothing, and gently wash the area daily.
- Watch for warning signs: If you notice redness, swelling, severe pain, pus, or fever, seek medical attention immediately.
### Bottom Line
- Medication alone usually isn’t enough for a persistent pilonidal cyst. Please don’t self-medicate—get a doctor’s advice for the next steps, which may include a minor procedure.
Thank you

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

5 hours ago

Pilonidal abscess is treatment with drainage.
Medicine will not work .

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