NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Your GP should be able to diagnose a pilonidal sinus after carrying out a visual examination of the affected area of skin. Further testing is not usually required.Â
Pilonidal sinus infection
If you have a pilonial sinus, an infection may develop. If the affected hair is pushed into your skin, your skin will become irritated and inflamed. Inflamed skin can become quickly infected by bacteria.
Your immune system will send infection-fighting white blood cells to fight the infection, but they will be unable to do so. A collection of dead white blood cells and bacteria will build up, producing pockets of pus. This is called an abscess.
Back to the Embarrassing Bodies Condition Guide or view information about Pilonidal Sinus on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
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