It is a chronic skin disease that occurs in the coccyx area and appears as a cyst or channel under the skin. What is pilonidal sinus? It occurs as a result of inflammation caused by hair, hair or foreign substances entering the skin. Is it more common in men?
What are the Symptoms of Pilonidal Sinus?
It is a disease that occurs in the coccyx area and is caused by hair or foreign substances penetrating under the skin. This disorder usually manifests itself with the development of infection. Symptoms vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Recognizing the symptoms early is important for the treatment to be successful. The most common symptom is pain felt in the coccyx area. The pain increases when sitting or moving for a long time. Pain can be mild or unbearable depending on the severity of the infection. Swelling and redness occur in the infected area. This swelling can grow as inflammation accumulates and over time, it can turn into a tender mass on the skin. If infected, pus or bloody discharge occurs around the hair follicle. This discharge is usually foul-smelling. The discharge occurs as a result of the sinus bursting or self-draining. Itching and irritation may be felt on the skin in the infected area. This condition occurs as a result of inflammation in the area and ingrown hairs under the skin. In case of severe infection, fever and general malaise may occur. The body activates the immune system in response to the infection, leading to fever. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor without neglecting it. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents progression of the disease.
What is Pilonidal Sinus? Why Does It Happen?
Pilonidal sinus is a canal or cyst filled with hair or skin remnants that forms under the skin in the coccyx region. The word "pilonidal" means "nest of hair" in Latin. This disorder is most common between the ages of 15-35, especially in men. It is more common in individuals who work for long periods of time sitting, those who sweat excessively, and those who are overweight. The most common cause is hair follicles submerged under the skin. When these hairs move under the skin, they are perceived as a foreign substance by the body. The immune system causes inflammation. Hairs under the skin form cysts or sinuses. This increases the risk of infection. Being inactive for a long time puts pressure on the coccyx area and increases the risk of ingrown hairs. Sweat clogs the skin pores, paving the way for hair to penetrate under the skin. Depending on the body structure, having dense and hard hair increases the susceptibility to the development of ingrown hairs. In overweight people, skin folds and pressure can cause sinus formation. It is more common in individuals with a family history. If pilonidal sinus is not treated when noticed, it can become chronic and seriously reduce the quality of life. Therefore, a specialist should be consulted when symptoms occur. Expert control ensures correct diagnosis and healthy progress of the treatment process.
Pilonidal Sinus Treatment Methods
Pilonidal sinus is a disease that occurs when hair follicles in the coccyx area sink under the skin. If left untreated, it can cause recurring infections and painful swelling. The method of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of the infection. Basic treatment methods are: Medical treatment can be applied if diagnosed at an early stage. At this stage, antibiotics help control the infection. Hot water baths and antiseptic solutions can also be used to help reduce inflammation in the area. This method may only be effective if the infection is mild. When the infection becomes severe and an abscess forms, incision and drainage is performed. During this procedure, the abscessed area is opened with anesthesia. The inflammation inside is drained. However, this method does not offer a permanent solution and sinus may recur. Surgical intervention is required in chronic or frequently recurring cases. In surgical treatment, the sinus tract and surrounding infected tissues are completely removed. Healing is achieved by the open wound method or closed stitch method. Although the open wound method reduces the risk of recurrence, the healing time is long. In recent years, laser treatment has been used as a minimally invasive alternative. In this method, the tissues in the sinus are burned with a laser. Recovery time is shorter. Comfort is also higher. After treatment, you should pay attention to hygiene, keep your weight under control and avoid sitting for long periods of time. What is Pilonidal Sinus? Patients who know the answer to the question can manage the treatment process more consciously thanks to early diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduces the risk of recurrence. It accelerates healing.