Conditions / Pilonidal Sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a condition that develops under the skin in the tailbone area. The information below offers a general overview; a definitive assessment requires an examination.
A pilonidal sinus shows up as a cavity that forms under the skin in the tailbone area, along with the symptoms it causes.
In some patients it can go unnoticed for a long time without causing symptoms, while in others it can lead to recurring problems.
Symptoms that may be associated with a pilonidal sinus vary from person to person. The most commonly reported include:
Having these symptoms does not on its own mean you have a pilonidal sinus; they can also have other causes.
Factors commonly associated with a pilonidal sinus include the type of hair in the area, long periods of sitting and local friction.
It may also be seen in patients with a family history of the condition.
Having these factors does not mean the condition will develop; they are simply commonly observed associations.
Assessing a suspected pilonidal sinus involves listening to what the patient describes and examining the area appropriately.
With a pilonidal sinus, the approach depends on how the symptoms have developed and the condition of the area. The plan is determined individually after an assessment.
The appropriate approach is determined individually, after an examination and clinical assessment.
Local hygiene and your sitting habits can play a supportive role throughout the process.
Symptoms may ease from time to time, but the underlying structure is not expected to resolve permanently on its own.
No. A pilonidal sinus affects the tailbone area, whereas hemorrhoids involve the vascular structures in the anal canal.
In some patients, symptoms may recur. That's why follow-up and assessment are important.
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