When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Pilonidal disease

Last reviewed: 2 Oct 2024
Last updated: 03 Jul 2024

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • sacrococcygeal discharge
  • sacrococcygeal pain and swelling
  • sacrococcygeal sinus tracts
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • at risk demographic (male, age 15 to 45 years, hirsutism)
  • modifiable risk factors (prolonged sitting, perineal hygiene)
  • history of prior rupture of fluid into natal cleft
  • skin maceration
  • acutely increased natal cleft pain and swelling
  • fever
Full details

Risk factors

  • male sex
  • age 15 to 45 years
  • prolonged sitting
  • hirsutism
  • frequency of bathing
  • overweight
  • family history of pilonidal disease
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • clinical diagnosis
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

asymptomatic

symptomatic with abscess

symptomatic chronic or recurrent disease

Contributors

Authors

Brandon C. Chapman, MD, MS

AdventHealth

Parker Adventist Hospital & Castle Rock Adventist Hospital

CO

Disclosures

BCC declares that he has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Brandon C. Chapman would like to gratefully acknowledge Mr Iain J.D. McCallum and Dr Seamus Kelly, both previous contributors to this topic. IJDM and SK declare that they have no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Maher A. Abbas, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery

UCLA

Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery Chair

Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery Kaiser Permanente

Los Angeles

CA

Disclosures

MAA declares that he has no competing interests.

Angus J.M. Watson, FRCS (Ed)

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Clinical Manager of General Surgery and ETC

Department of Surgery

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Manchester

UK

Disclosures

AJMW is an author of a reference cited in this monograph.

  • Pilonidal disease images
  • Differentials

    • Perianal fistula
    • Perianal abscess
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ clinical practice guidelines for the management of pilonidal disease
    • Practice parameters for the management of pilonidal disease
    More Guidelines
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer