pilonidal sinus

🧬 What Causes It? Ingrown hairs: Hair penetrates the skin and causes inflammation. Friction & pressure: Prolonged sitting, tight clothing, or sweating can irritate the area. Poor hygiene and obesity are contributing factors. Common in young men (ages 15–30) with coarse body hair. ⚠️ Symptoms When not infected (asymptomatic sinus): Small pit or dimple in the skin between the buttocks No pain or discharge When infected (acute or chronic): Painful swelling or lump Pus or bloody discharge from the sinus Foul odor Fever (if abscess forms) Difficulty sitting or walking 📋 Diagnosis Based on physical examination No imaging usually needed unless recurrent or complex 💊 Treatment Options 🔹 For Acute Infection (Abscess): Incision & drainage (I&D): Minor procedure to release pus and relieve pain Antibiotics only if cellulitis or systemic symptoms present 🔹 For Chronic or Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus: Surgery is the definitive treatment. Procedure Description Notes Excision with open healing Sinus is cut out; wound left open Low recurrence, longer healing Excision with primary closure Sinus removed and wound stitched closed Faster healing, higher recurrence Limberg flap / Bascom procedure Advanced plastic surgery techniques to close the defect Lower recurrence, cosmetically better Laser hair removal (post-op) Helps prevent recurrence Often recommended in hairy individuals 🧼 Home Care & Prevention Keep the area clean and dry Remove hair (shaving, depilatory creams, or laser) Wear loose-fitting clothes Avoid prolonged sitting Maintain good hygiene and healthy body weight 🔁 Recurrence Common if not treated properly or if post-op care is neglected Can be minimized with good hygiene and hair removal