The pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammation in the dermal area between the buttocks and more specifically in the intergluteal fold. It is a very common condition that affects the day life of patients due to unpleasant symptoms.
Who can be affected?
A pilonidal sinus occurs more often in male patients and especially in those who have intense hair growth or are obese. Research suggests that men develop the condition at a frequency of 2.2 to 4 times more often than women. There is a higher incidence of the disease at the ages of 16-20 years, while after 35 years the chances of developing the condition are radically reduced. People with a sedentary lifestyle or office work are also frequent patients.
What are the causes of a pilonidal sinus?
Some of the most important causes of pilonidal sinus are intense hair growth and obesity. In the pathophysiology of the disease, it seems that an important role is played by the fact that the hairs of the area “turn”, resulting in their penetration and inflammation.
Symptoms of pilonidal sinus
At an early stage, symptoms of patients suffering from pilonidal sinus include pain, redness and swelling in the intergluteal region. Gradually, the symptoms worsen and if pus accumulates inside the sinus (abscess), the pain is intense and immediate surgical drainage is required. In some cases, fever, nausea and acute pain occur. The inflamed sinus contains serous fluid with pus and blood.
Diagnosis of pilonidal sinus
The diagnosis of pilonidal sinus is done by a general surgeon with clinical examination of the patient, while imaging or blood tests are not required.
Treatment of the pilonidal sinus
A pilonidal abscess can burst by itself, or it can be treated with antibiotics. However, surgery is often the only way to treat the cause of the abscess and remove all the infected tissue.
