Pilonidal disease

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• Y

Anatomical landmarks, back view

Pilonidal cyst and dimple

Pilonidal abscess; Pilonidal sinus; Pilonidal cyst

It may help to keep the area clean and dry and remove hair regularly to prevent infection.

Call your health care provider if you notice any of the following around the pilonidal cyst:

• Drainage of pus
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness

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 cyst?
• Has there been any drainage from the area?
• Do you have any other symptoms?

---

---

Rarely, a CT scan is done.

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
• Surgery to remove an abscess that returns

Review Date: 12/17/2010
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).