Pilonidal Disease

'Pilonidal' literally means 'nest of spears' and that is essentially what the problem is.  Hairs drill their way in through the slkin and create a cavity that becomes infected and produce an abscess or a chronic discharging sinus or tract.  Commonly occurring in the natal cleft of hairy individuals, it can also occur elsewhare on the body.
 
Treatment options include surgery, the mainstay of which is excision of the diseased area.  On occasions the wound can be closed with sutures but my preference is to allow the wound to heal naturrally, over a period, of time using a series of dressings.  Healing can be prolonged and there is a recurrence rate.  Recurrence can be reduced by keeping the affected area free of hair by shaving, using a depilatory cream, waxing or having laser treatment and hair removal.
 
The specific treatment options will be discussed fully at your consultation.