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It often feels like mild discomfort and tenderness near the tailbone that appears as a pimple. Most individuals, especially the young ones, mostly brush off the discomfort as a minor and temporary issue.
However, what might seem harmless at first can soon turn into a painful and recurring infection known as a pilonidal sinus. It is quite common among individuals who are required to sit for long hours; however, the younger adults and students are more prone to developing the condition.
But why is this age group at a higher risk? Let’s understand.
A pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition that is characterised by the formation of an abscess found in the cleft at the top of the buttocks, more specifically near the tailbone. It develops when hair, debris and dead skin become trapped, which leads to a foreign reaction and results in the formation of a cyst.
At times, it gets infected and gives rise to a pus-filled cavity that eventually forms a discharging sinus. When left untreated, it can progress and cause more than one discharging sinus tract with symptoms like severe pain and foul-smelling purulent discharge.
To prevent chronic pilonidal sinus, it is important to opt for treatments like the laser technique. Laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is a safe and effective approach, providing a permanent solution to the condition.
There are several biological and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of a pilonidal sinus in younger individuals. Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a reputed surgeon for performing laser procedures, lists the following reasons.
Prolonged hours of sitting: One of the prevalent risk factors of pilonidal sinus is long hours of sitting, which young adults and students do almost daily. Long lectures, exam preparation, internships or desk jobs put constant pressure on the tailbone. This, in turn, increases friction near the lower back area, which forces loose hair into the skin along with sweat. If hygiene is not maintained, it becomes a perfect environment for a pilonidal sinus to develop.
Excessive hair growth: Some younger adults tend to have a lot of dense and coarse hair all over the body. Moreover, hormonal fluctuations during puberty lead to excessive hair growth, especially near the buttocks. Loose hair, combined with sweat and friction, triggers a foreign reaction, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of a pilonidal sinus.
Poor ventilation: Young adults and students mostly wear uniforms and tight jeans throughout the day, which restricts airflow and increases moisture buildup. The lack of ventilation softens the skin for hair penetration, bacterial growth and infection.
Obesity: Weight gain has become increasingly common among young people, primarily due to poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity. Obesity creates deeper skin folds, which form a moist environment where bacteria thrive. As a result, the area becomes more susceptible to hair penetration, infection and irritation.
Lack of awareness: Another major reason why the pilonidal sinus is prevalent in young people is the lack of proper knowledge about the condition and the delay in seeking treatment. In the initial stage, the symptoms are generally mild and similar to a pimple, due to which many assume that it will eventually resolve on its own. Ignoring timely treatment increases the likelihood of abscess formation.
Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a leading surgeon for performing laser surgery for pilonidal sinus, lists the symptoms that indicate the formation of a discharging sinus.
If you are someone who is experienced, don’t wait for it to worsen. Get in touch with Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik to avail advanced treatment options like laser surgery for pilonidal sinus for faster recovery and complete relief.
The effect of developing a pilonidal sinus is not just physical but also psychological.
Hence, it is always advisable to opt for a permanent solution rather than a temporary relief.
Conventional treatment options for pilonidal sinus include antibiotics, simple incision and even plastic surgery techniques. They can help, but come with certain drawbacks.
Modern solutions like laser surgery for pilonidal sinus have emerged as a safe and popular alternative method. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-energy laser beams to destroy the sinus tract and seal the tissue.
It is completely safe with a high success rate of more than 90% without the need for large incisions. Here are some of its advantages.
For young adults, laser surgery for pilonidal sinus is the most preferred treatment option.
Following simple habits can significantly decrease the likelihood of a pilonidal sinus. Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik suggests the following measures to minimise the risk.
Pilonidal sinus usually starts as a minor inconvenience but can quickly escalate into a recurring infection among young adults. However, with awareness, timely care and modern treatment like laser surgery for pilonidal sinus, it is possible to prevent a simple discomfort from becoming a long-term problem.