What is Pilonidal disease and what causes it?
Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection of the skin in the region of the buttock crease (Figure 1). The condition results from a reaction to hairs embedded in the skin, commonly occurring in the cleft between the buttocks.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary from a small dimple to a large painful mass.
How is pilonidal disease treated?
An acute abscess is managed with an incision and drained to release the pus, and reduce the inflammation and pain. This procedure usually can be performed in the office with local anaesthesia. A chronic sinus usually will need to be excised or surgically opened.
What care is required after surgery?
If the wound can be closed, it will need to be kept clean and dry until the skin is completely healed. If the wound must be left open, dressings or packing will be needed to help remove secretions and to allow the wound to heal from the bottom up.
