PILODINAL SINUS

It used to be called “ JEEP DRIVERS DISEASE

A nest of dead hair in the cleavage between the buttocks deposit in a small congenital dimple or a crack in the skin, starting an inflammation, which burrows under the skin forming channels called sinus tracks.

The inflammations, progresses to become a collection of pus, which gives rise to a painful swelling. This bursts to discharge the pus, relieving the pain for some time, till the pus builds up again.

Sometimes hairdressers get the same problem in the web space between the fingers.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE PILONIDAL SINUS:

You need to see a surgeon who deals with this problem.
Keep the buttock and cleavage clear of any hair, by waxing them and taking a shower/bath daily.

TREATMENT:

The best time to get treatment is when the sinus is in early stages, (producing slight pus discharge and mild pain) before it progresses to acute abscess.

Once it becomes a pocket of pus, the pus has to be let out and wound allowed to settle, before a definitive operation can be done.

The best treatment is surgical operation usually done under General anaesthesia to remove not only the sinus but also the tracks so as to get the best results.

It can be done under Local anaesthesia.

If the extent of the sinus tracks is small, it can be removed completely and the wound closed at the same time. The stitches can be removed in 10-14 days.

If however the sinus tracks are too extensive, the wound may have to be left open to fill up from the bottom to the top. It can take upto six weeks.

AFTER THE OPERATION:

  • You are mobile and eating, drinking normally.
  • There is no problem with bowel movements or urination.
  • You are advised to keep the area clean by regular shower/bath

THE AREA MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND FREE OF HAIR AT ALL TIME, AS THE RISK OF RECURRENC OF THE PROBLEM IS HIGH, IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.