Pilonidal sinus disease
Pilonidal abscess; Pilonidal sinus; Pilonidal cyst; Pilonidal disease
Pilonidal sinus disease is an inflammatory condition involving the hair follicles that can occur anywhere along the crease between the buttocks, which runs from the bone at the bottom of the spine (sacrum) to the anus. The disease is benign and has no association with cancer.
Pilonidal disease may appear as:
- A pilonidal abscess, in which the hair follicle becomes infected and pus collects in the fat tissue
- A pilonidal cyst, in which a cyst or hole forms if there has been an abscess for a long time
- A pilonidal sinus, in which a tract grows under the skin or deeper from the hair follicle
- A small pit or pore in the skin that contains dark spots or hair
There are three body views (front, back, and side) that can help you to identify a specific body area. The labels show areas of the body which are identified either by anatomical or by common names. For example, the back of the knee is called the “popliteal fossa,” while the “flank” is an area on the side of the body.
A pilonidal dimple is a small pit or sinus in the sacral area just at the top of the crease between the buttocks. The pilonidal dimple may also be a deep tract, rather than a shallow depression, leading to a sinus that may contain hair. During adolescence the pilonidal dimple or tract may become infected forming a cyst-like structure called a pilonidal cyst. These pilonidal cysts may require surgical drainage or total excision to prevent reinfection.
Considerations
Symptoms may include:
- Pus draining from a small pit in the skin
- Tenderness over the area after you are active or sit for a period of time
- Warm, tender, swollen area near the tailbone
- Fever (rare)
There may be no symptoms other than a small dent (pit) in the skin in the crease between the buttocks.
Causes
The cause of pilonidal disease is not clear. It is thought to be caused by hair growing into the skin in the crease between the buttocks.
This problem is more likely to occur in people who:
- Are obese
- Experience trauma or irritation in the area
- Have excess body hair, particularly coarse, curly hair
Home Care
Wash normally and pat dry. Use a soft bristle scrub brush to prevent the hairs from becoming ingrown. Keep the hairs in this region short (shaving, laser, depilatory) which may decrease the risk of flare-ups and recurrence.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you notice any of the following around a pilonidal cyst:
- Drainage of pus
- Redness
- Tenderness
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
You will be asked for your medical history and given a physical examination. Sometimes you may be asked for the following information:
- Has there been any change in the appearance of the pilonidal sinus disease?
- Has there been any drainage from the area?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
Pilonidal disease that causes no symptoms does not need to be treated.
A pilonidal abscess may be opened, drained, and packed with gauze. Antibiotics may be used if there is an infection spreading in the skin or you also have another, more severe illness.
Other surgeries that may be needed include:
- Removal (excision) of the diseased area
- Skin grafts
- Flap operation following excision
- Surgery to remove an abscess that returns
References
Gunter RL, Johnson EK, Steele SR. Anorectal: management of pilonidal disease. In: Cameron J, ed. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:287-350.
Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Surgical conditions of the anus and rectum. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 392.
Surrell JA. Pilonidal cyst and abscess: current management. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 11/25/2023
Reviewed by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
