Is swollen skin sinus pilonidalis ? Posted: 12-29-07 03:20am
Hello,
I have a question regarding a condition I
have had for a while now. At the top-left
part of my rear (between the cheeks), just
under the small of my back, I have a small
oval-shaped region of light-colored skin
which occasionally swells up, becoming
sore and hard, making it difficult to sit.
This happens periodically, approximately
once every 2 months. Soon after, the
swollen area bursts with blood, and lots
of it. There is also a mucus-like
discharge from the area. It is unlike a
cut, which heals up and that's it; this
has been occurring since before I was a
pre-teen. I don't know what it is and
don't know what to do about it. I've tried
covering the area with cotton balls, which
help absorb the blood and discharge, but
it keeps coming back. Other than for the
~week ever 2 months, the area is normal
(still discolored). Do you know what this
is, how to fix it, or if I should see
someone about it? Thanks.
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
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General Q and A Answer A3523 Posted: 01-16-08 04:12am
According to the location of the condition
(between the buttocks) and the symptoms
that you describe (swelling, soreness,
hardness, mucus-like discharge, hard to
sit…) you could be experiencing a
condition called sinus pilonidalis. Sinus
pilonidalis is a chronic inflammation of
the skin due to reverse growth of the
hair. The only efficient therapy of this
condition is surgical removal of the
effected skin area.
You can visit your GP first and then, if
necessary, request a referral to a surgeon
or dermatologist for proper diagnosis,
treatment, and follow up.
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