Forsyth Medical Center 
Colorectal
Pilonidal Disease
| Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection of the skin in the region of the buttock crease. |
Pilonidal disease commonly occurs:
- as a reaction to hairs embedded in the skin (in the cleft between the buttocks)
- more frequently in men than women
- between puberty and age 40
- in obese people
- in those with thick, stiff body hair
Symptoms of pilonidal disease include:
- anywhere from a small dimple to a large, painful mass
- clear, cloudy or bloody fluid drainage (may have rank odor)
- area becomes red and tender
- fever
- depression
- nausea
Treatment
The treatment of pilonidal disease depends on the pattern. Most patients experience an acute abscess which is managed with an incision and the pus is drained to reduce the inflammation and pain. This procedure usually can be performed in the office with local anesthesia.
Some patients may develop a pilonidal sinus, which is a cavity below the surface of the skin and connects to the surface with one or more small openings or tracts. A chronic sinus typically needs to be removed or surgically opened.
