information about pilonidal disease
It is caused by a very deep gluteal crease. In that crease enlarged pores develop, hairs get caught in the pores and burrow their way under the skin, and can cause infection.
Body shape can run in families, and a deep gluteal cleft can be a trait that is passed on from one generation to another. But, there is no congenital “cyst” that causes this.
No. But, in our experience, it is 1/3 female and 2/3 males.
No. People who are thin can have this also. In our experience, most patients are of normal weight.
Not necessarily. We see many patients with relatively little body hair who have this as well. Studies have shown that most of the hairs in pilonidal cysts come from the back of the head
The only thing that we have determined that is a factor is wearing clothing that is so tight across the buttocks that it exaggerates the depth of the gluteal crease.
Maybe. By keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding tight clothes, and possibly using an antiseptic over any visible abnormalities, one might decrease the frequency of symptoms. More here.
If a patient is particularly hairy, trimming the hair around the gluteal crease may make it easier to keep the area clean and dry. But, eliminating hair from the area does not prevent the hair from the back of the head from getting into the pores and causing problems. So, it is not a complete solution at all, but may help with hygiene.
No. While it is unusual for new pilonidal disease to develop after age 40, it will not make pre-existing disease disappear. It may become asymptomatic for a while, but we’ve seen symptoms come back in patients in their 50’s and 60’s. So, it is better to have it surgically treated when you are younger.
