Digestive
Medicines for Pilonidal sinus
A small tunnel or pit in the skin at the top of the buttock cleft, which can become infected and painful — treated with drainage of any abscess and sometimes surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin, usually at the top of the cleft between the buttocks, that often contains hair and debris. It is thought to develop when hairs work their way into the skin and cause a reaction.
- How it is treated: An infected pilonidal abscess usually needs to be drained to relieve the pain, sometimes as a simple procedure under local anaesthetic.
- Self-care: Keeping the area clean and dry, removing hair from the natal cleft as advised, avoiding prolonged sitting where possible, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce flare-ups and recurrence.
- When to seek help: See a doctor for a painful, swollen or discharging lump at the top of the buttock cleft.
What it is
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin, usually at the top of the cleft between the buttocks, that often contains hair and debris. It is thought to develop when hairs work their way into the skin and cause a reaction. Many cause no symptoms, but they can become infected, forming a painful, swollen, sometimes discharging abscess. It is most common in young adults, more so in men, and in people who sit for long periods or have coarse body hair. It can recur after treatment, which is why ongoing skin care matters.
How it is treated
An infected pilonidal abscess usually needs to be drained to relieve the pain, sometimes as a simple procedure under local anaesthetic. For recurrent or persistent disease, various operations can remove the sinus, with the choice depending on the situation; healing can take time. Keeping the area clean, removing hair from the region (by shaving or other methods) as advised, and good hygiene help reduce recurrence. Antibiotics alone do not usually cure an abscess, which is why drainage is often needed.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Pilonidal sinus
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keeping the area clean and dry, removing hair from the natal cleft as advised, avoiding prolonged sitting where possible, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce flare-ups and recurrence.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a painful, swollen or discharging lump at the top of the buttock cleft. Seek prompt care if you feel feverish or the area is spreading and very painful.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Pilonidal sinus: frequently asked questions
What causes a pilonidal sinus?
It is thought to form when hairs work their way into the skin at the top of the buttock cleft, causing a reaction and a small tunnel that can become infected.
Do antibiotics cure a pilonidal abscess?
Antibiotics alone usually do not cure an abscess. It generally needs to be drained to relieve the infection, and recurrent disease may need surgery.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Pilonidal sinus
- Association of Coloproctology guidance
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