Pilonidal Sinus Treatment
Pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In this condition, hairs become embedded under the skin and become infected. This infection leads to abscess formation and discharge. Pilonidal sinus is more common in men and individuals under the age of 40. Factors such as prolonged sitting, changes in movement or minor trauma, and environments that are humid and lack ventilation can cause blockage of hair follicles and abscess development.
Image 1: Pilonidal sinus typically occurs in the sacrococcygeal region and the area between both buttocks just above it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pilonidal sinus include discharge, pain, swelling, and itching. Due to infection, systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and nausea may also occur. When an abscess drains, foul-smelling discharge and itching may develop. The discharge can vary in color; it may be clear, dark, or bloody.
Treatment
During the treatment process, incision is necessary to drain the infected material in cases of acute abscess. In chronic or recurrent pilonidal sinus cases, surgical intervention is usually required. Among surgical treatment options, laser therapy may be preferred for patients in the early stages. Additionally, surgical methods such as cleaning and removing the diseased tissue and leaving the wound open or flap advancement (sliding nearby skin tissue) can be applied. Surgical procedures that leave the wound open generally require long-term dressing changes and have a longer healing time. However, these methods have a high success rate and a significantly low risk of recurrence.
TREATMENTS
