Pilonidal disease

Pilonidal disease is a chronic or on-going skin infection in the crease between the buttocks. It occurs when hairs get under the skin and into the fat.

Pilonidal disease is more common in men, usually between the teenage years and 40 years of age. It is more common in people who are overweight or have thick, stiff body hair. Symptoms might range from a small tender dimple to a large painful lump. Sitting may be painful. There may be some fluid that drains from the area that is clear, cloudy or bloody. It may become infected, and form an abscess. Symptoms of an abscess may include:

• pus that oozes from the area
• redness
• tenderness and
• sometimes fever, weakness, or nausea

A healthcare provider will usually drain the abscess. After an abscess has been drained, a space under the skin may form. This space is called a pilonidal sinus. This space connects to the skin with one or more small openings. Sometimes the space may get better by itself. Most of the time it has to be removed. A few people may even have several more infections of this area. These infections may cause swelling, pain, and have fluid draining from them. When an infection occurs, it almost always needs surgery.

After an abscess has been drained, it is very important to keep the area clean. The area should be shaved every week. This will keep the hairs from getting under the skin again.

When the pilonidal sinus has to be removed, it is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The sinus area may be sewed shut after the sinus is removed. Sometimes it may be left open to drain, and heal from the inside out.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File DIGE3510.rf2 VRS# 5415 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.