Overview Of Pilonidal Sinus
Pilonidal Sinus disease is an inflammatory condition involving the hair follicles that can occur anywhere along the crease between the buttocks, which runs from the bone at the bottom of the spine (sacrum) to the anus. The disease is benign and has no association with cancer.
Pilonidal dimple may appear as:
- A pilonidal abscess, in which the hair follicle becomes infected and pus collects in the fat tissue
- A pilonidal cyst, in which a cyst or hole forms if there has been an abscess for a long time
- A pilonidal sinus, in which a tract grows under the skin or deeper from the hair follicle
- A small pit or pore in the skin that contains dark spots or hair
Commonly Associated With
Pilonidal abscess; Pilonidal sinus; Pilonidal cyst; Pilonidal disease
Considerations
Symptoms may include:
- Pus draining to a small pit in the skin
- Tenderness over the area after you are active or sit for a period of time
- The warm, tender, swollen area near the tailbone
- Fever (rare)
- There may be no symptoms other than a small dent (pit) in the skin in the crease between the buttocks.
Causes Of Pilonidal Sinus
The cause of pilonidal disease is not clear. It is thought to be caused by hair growing into the skin in the crease between the buttocks.
This problem is more likely to occur in people who:
- Are obese
- Experience trauma or irritation in the area
- Have excess body hair, particularly coarse, curly hair
Exams & Tests
You will be asked for your medical history and given a physical examination.
Sometimes you may be asked for the following information:
- Has there been any change in the appearance of the pilonidal sinus disease?
- Has there been any drainage from the area?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- Pilonidal disease that causes no symptoms does not need to be treated.
A pilonidal abscess may be opened, drained, and packed with gauze. Antibiotics may be used if there is an infection spreading in the skin or you also have another, more severe illness.
Other surgeries that may be needed include:
- Removal (excision) of the diseased area
- Skin grafts
- Flap operation following excision
- Surgery to remove an abscess that returns
Treatment Of Pilonidal Sinus
Wash normally and pat dry. Use a soft bristle scrub brush to prevent the hairs from becoming ingrown. Keep the hairs in this region short (shaving, laser, depilatory) which may decrease the risk of flare-ups and recurrence.
