When a small tunnel or hole forms within the skin, it is called pilonidal sinus (PNS). The hole is filled with pus or fluid and results in forming a cyst. PNS is found at the upper part of a human bottom. The cyst is filled with dirt, debris, and hair.

Doktors are here to you create an awareness on pilonidal sinus. The best specialized doctors are here to treat you with you high quality treatment.

What is a pilonidal sinus?

A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that usually contains hair and skin debris. A pilonidal cyst is almost always located near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks.

Pilonidal cysts usually occur when hair punctures the skin and then becomes embedded. If a pilonidal cyst becomes infected, the resulting abscess is often extremely painful. The cyst can be drained through a small incision or removed surgically.

Pilonidal cysts most commonly occur in young men, and the problem has a tendency to recur. People who sit for prolonged periods of time, such as truck drivers, are at higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst.

How does a pilonidal sinus form?

A skin problem, pressure or friction may cause hair between the buttocks to be pushed inwards. This may either be hair growing around the buttock area, or loose hair shed from the buttocks or elsewhere that gathers around the buttock cleft and enters the pilonidal sinus.

Types of pilonidal sinus

There are two types of pilonidal sinus

- Acute pilonidal sinus

- Chronic pilonidal sinus

Causes

A skin problem, pressure or friction may cause hair between the buttocks to be pushed inwards. This may either be hair growing around the buttock area, or loose hair shed from the buttocks or elsewhere that gathers around the buttock cleft and enters the pilonidal sinus.

Symptoms

Ø  Pain when sitting or standing.

Ø  Swelling of the cyst.

Ø  Reddened, sore skin around the area.

Ø  Pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor.

Ø  Hair protruding from the lesion.

Ø  Formation of more than one sinus tract, or holes in the skin

Diagnosis

Tests

1. Digital examination – In this test, the proctologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check if there are any kind of abnormal growths. The test also confirms the depth of the tunnel and how far the condition has grown.

2. Visual inspection – In visual inspection, the pilonidal sinus specialist might examine the lower rectum using a proctoscope, an anoscope, or a sigmoidoscope. Using any of these devices, the doctor will carefully examine the lining of your anal tissues to check the severity and growth of the tissues.

3. Lab swab test – In rare conditions, the proctologist might recommend the patient undergoes a lab swab test. During the test, the doctor takes tissues from the affected area and sends them for a biopsy. The test is done to check if the tissues have grown cancerous to determine the best line of treatment where the pilonidal sinus grows severe.

Self-diagnosis

Self-diagnosis of pilonidal sinus is not very difficult if you are well aware of the symptoms. You can check for the prevalence of any of the pilonidal sinus symptoms and can evaluate yourself if you are suffering from the same. It is highly likely that your symptoms would always begin with pain and discomfort while sitting. A person with an infected pilonidal sinus may also experience pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area. There might also be a small opening (sinus tract) from where blood drainage might occur. Pay attention to your anal area react each time you make a bowel movement. Check for blood in your stool. But diagnosing the anal area and checking for the symptoms yourself could be tough, which is why it is advisable that you check your condition with a trained and experienced proctologist. 

Diagnosis by doctor

The initial diagnosis is an external check by the doctor, visually and also by touch. The doctor also asks you about the discharge or pain in the area. The diagnosis may also include an MRI scan (an imaging diagnostic test) to confirm the pilonidal sinus.