WHAT IS A PILONIDAL SINUS AND WHAT ARE ITS CAUSES AND METHODS OF TREATMENT?

Pilonidal Sinus is a disease that is very common among men, especially at young age, but many do not know what the Pilonidal Sinus is and what are the methods of its treatment.

What is a Pilonidal Sinus?

Pilonidal sinus is a pocket in the skin that is filled with dead hair and skin, which gathers in the lower back or the so-called coccyx area, and with time it turns into a small mass and usually affects more men than women.

What are the symptoms of Pilonidal Sinus?

Pain, especially when sitting.

Inflammation, swelling, and reddening of the skin.

Foul-smelling secretions

Itching

Occasional temperature elevation.

What are the causes of Pilonidal sinus?

-Sitting down for long periods of time that causes skin erosion due to increased.

-Exposure to an accident such as a direct impact in the coccyx area.

-Hair density as it is one of the most important factors.

-Overweight.

-Babies being already born with a pilonidal sinus.

What are the methods of treatment of Pilonidal Sinus?

Pilonidal sinus cannot be treated with medication, but the channel must be closed either by surgery or laser technology.

First surgery:

Pilonidal Sinus surgery is usually very complicated, and it causes the patient unbearable pain after the operation because the doctor cuts the fistula completely, which leaves behind a deep wound that sometimes requires up to six months to recover. Also, the success rate of the operation does not exceed 60% and the recurrence rate reaches 40% .

Second: Laser Technology:

Laser technology is currently the best method for the treatment of Pilonidal Sinus, as the doctor does not cut the channel, but inserts a very accurate catheter inside the opening of the pilonidal sinus itself, then begins to close it using laser beams. The patient does not need more than one day to return to normal life activities and the success rate reaches up to 98%.

Ways to prevent Pilonidal Sinus:

• -Maintaining good personal hygiene and showering frequently to ensure that bacteria do not grow.
• -Removing hair by the roots in that area.
• -Exercising.
• -Avoiding sitting dow for a long time. -Maintaining a healthy weight.