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Pilonidal Disease
Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the area near the tailbone, causing painful cysts or abscesses that may become infected and require medical or surgical treatment.
Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin condition that most commonly affects the skin over the tail bone (natal cleft).
It is characterised by one or more sinus tracts - small cavities with openings on the skin surface (pilonidal sinuses) - usually filled with hair.
A non-inflamed lump is referred to as a pilonidal cyst. If a cyst becomes infected it is called a pilonidal abscess.
Common symptoms of pilonidal disease include:
Pilonidal sinus disease may be mild, with just few small pits in the skin over the tailbone.
If it becomes inflamed or infected you may notice:
Pain and tenderness in the area
Swollen or inflamed skin
Drainage of pus or blood from the cyst
An unpleasant smell from the drainage
Treatment for Pilonidal Disease
A pilonidal cyst that isn’t causing any symptoms doesn’t require any treatment and may resolve by itself.
If the cyst is causing minor irritation, it may be useful for a healthcare provide to gently brush the tract to remove hair and debris.
If you develop an abscess this may be drained through a small incision.
Your specialist general surgeon will explain the treatment options that may be right for you and will ensure that you have appropriate treatment and follow up.
Surgery
Persistent, complex or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease may need to be treated with an operation.
The cavity may been cleaned to remove hair and debris, in some cases the area of pilonidal sinus disease may be removed completely.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Richard Perry
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