Pilonidal Disease
Pilonidal disease is an infection caused by a hair that injures the skin at the top of the cleft between the buttocks.
A pilonidal abscess is a collection of pus at the infection site; a pilonidal sinus is a chronic draining wound at the site.
Pilonidal disease usually occurs in young, hairy white men but can also occur in women. A pilonidal sinus can cause pain and swelling. To distinguish pilonidal disease from other infections, a doctor looks for pits--tiny holes in or next to the infected area.
Generally, a pilonidal abscess must be cut and drained by a doctor. Usually, a pilonidal sinus must be removed surgically.
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