Pilonidal Sinus

What is Pilonidal Sinus?

A Pilonidal Sinus (PNS) is an inflammatory condition in which small cyst or abscess occurs in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. Infection along with severe pain can be caused by it. Although the exact cause of this condition is not known, but changing hormones (because it occurs after puberty), hair growth, and friction from clothes or from spending a long time sitting can be some of the reasons.

Symptoms

• Pain when sitting or standing
• Swelling of the cyst
• Reddened, sore skin around the area
• Pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor
• Hair protruding from the lesion
• Formation of more than one sinus tract, or holes in the skin

Cure

The following cures can be considered based on sensitivity of disease:-

• Antibiotics, if diagnosed at an early stage.
• Lancing
• Phenol injections
• Surgery: It is suggested in case of recurrent PNS, wherein the surgeon opens the lesions, removing all of the pus and debris. Once this process is complete, the surgeon will stitch the wounds closed.