All You Need to Know about Pilonidal Sinus

“Pilonidal Sinus” is an Italian term, which means a nest of hair, highlighting the main cause of the

disease – ingrown hair. It’s a less known ailment but is common among young generation, especially

males between an age group of 20 to 30. A pilonidal cyst is a cystic structure developed along the coccyx

region (tailbone) in the cleft of the buttocks, located almost 4-5 cm from the anus. This cyst is filled with

hair, bacteria and skin debris.

Common Symptoms

Pain when sitting or standing

Swelling of the cyst

reddened, sore skin around the area

pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor

Formation of more than one sinus tract, or holes in the skin

Fever

Fever Males are most likely to suffer from pilonidal sinus. Let’s see what the risk factors are.

Family history

Obesity

Profession demanding prolonged sitting or driving

Copious hair (hirsute)

Deep natal cleft

A pilonidal cyst is diagnosed by physical examination and prominent symptoms.

Pilonidal Sinus Treatment

If not infected, pilonidal sinus can be cured by medication. However, an infected sinus has to be

treated by a surgery. Conventional surgery is performed under local anesthesia to remove all the debris

and abscess from the cyst. However, recurrence is common, as it is estimated to occur in approximately

40%-50% of individuals. At Dr. Ashwin Porwal’s Healing Hands Clinic, Excision & Primary Closure are

provided for successful pilonidal sinus treatment in and around Pune.

Maintaining hygiene in the sacrococcygeal area is critical to prevent pilonidal sinus. Keeping the area

clean, dry and free of hair is the best preventive measure.