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Overview
Common in young adults.
Infected ones need drainage.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayPainful, swollen, or fever.
See a doctor soonRecurring lumps.
Causes
Caused by ingrown hair.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause painful lump at the top of the buttock crease. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Pilonidal cystSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A cyst at the top of the crease between the buttocks, near the tailbone.
What you can do at home
- Keep the area clean.
Medicines
Drainage or surgery.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Keep clean.
- Hair removal
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.