Why Does Pilonidal Disease Happen?

Every year, about 70,000 cases of pilonidal cysts are reported in the United States. Many of these patients can suffer from a chronic, relapsing condition called pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal disease can be persistent, but treatment options are available, including a front-line surgery that can banish pilonidal disease for good for many patients. Dr. Lisa Perryman of Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, offers patients with pilonidal disease treatment with the Bascom cleft lift procedure, the best approach for a permanent end to this painful condition.

In this blog, we discuss how pilonidal disease happens, so you can gain a better understanding of the condition. Visit us when you’re ready for a solution.

Causes of pilonidal cysts

A common problem for people who sit for extended periods of time, pilonidal disease develops from hair pushing through the skin in the buttock crease that creates a pinpoint opening which tracks under the skin.

These underlying pockets develop in the buttock cleft, anywhere from the anus to the tailbone, though they’re most common toward the top end of the cleft. Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection under the skin that rarely resolves without treatment.

When pilonidal disease develops

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), it’s not fully understood why pilonidal cysts become chronic. Some of the potential reasons and risk factors include:

Gender: Men are more likely to develop pilonidal disease
Age: Pilonidal disease is most common between the ages of 17 and 35
Anatomy: A deep buttock crease makes pilonidal disease more likely
Coarse body hair: Possibly an inherited genetic trait, coarse hair causes irritation more easily
Wearing tight clothing
Injuries to the buttock cleft area
Seated jobs or hobbies: including office workers or professional drivers
Obesity: increases the risk of the disease

Symptoms can vary widely between patients. You may have few or no symptoms, or large, painful cysts may emerge.

Dealing with pilonidal disease

When a pilonidal abscess develops, drainage is often the short-term solution to reduce pain and other symptoms. When pilonidal disease becomes chronic, Dr. Perryman may recommend the Bascom cleft lift procedure.

This is a surgical solution that shifts vulnerable skin tissue off-center in the buttock cleft, along with reducing the depth of the cleft. A shallow cleft stays clean and dry, making recurrence less likely.

Learn more about pilonidal disease and its management by contacting Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists. Book your consultation online or by phone.

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