Pilonidal sinus is a chronic condition at the tailbone caused by broken hairs becoming buried under the skin. It is most common between the ages of 15 and 30 and around three times more frequent in men. Non-surgical phenol treatment and the laser method are used in early disease, while flap techniques are preferred in extensive or recurrent disease. Laser hair removal after treatment is the most effective measure against recurrence.
Pilonidal sinus is a chronic condition that develops in the cleft between the buttocks at the tailbone. As the name suggests, it begins when broken hairs become buried under the skin. The body treats these hairs as a foreign body; an inflammatory reaction forms around them and over time tunnels (sinus tracts) develop beneath the skin.
It is most common between the ages of 15 and 30 and is roughly three times more frequent in men than in women. This article covers what patients seeking pilonidal sinus treatment in Mersin need to know.
What Causes Pilonidal Sinus?
- Dense, coarse hair growth
- Prolonged sitting: more frequent in desk workers, drivers, students and soldiers
- A deep gluteal cleft and a tendency to sweat
- Excess weight
- Inadequate local hygiene
- Family predisposition
- Repeated friction and trauma to the area
Symptoms
The condition presents in three different ways:
- Asymptomatic phase: small pits are visible at the tailbone with no symptoms.
- Acute abscess: sudden severe pain with redness, swelling and warmth in the area; fever may accompany it. This requires urgent attention.
- Chronic phase: intermittent discharge (pus, blood, clear fluid), discomfort on sitting, unpleasant odour and recurrent flare-ups.
Treatment Options
Abscess drainage
During an abscess the priority is to drain the infection. Under local anaesthesia a small incision releases the abscess and the pain settles quickly. This is not a cure, however, but a procedure for urgent relief. Once the abscess has resolved, definitive treatment of the condition must be planned separately.
Phenol treatment (the non-surgical method)
A chemical agent, phenol, is introduced through the sinus opening; the hair and inflamed tissue within the tunnel are cleared and the tract is allowed to close. Its main features are:
- No incision, no sutures
- Performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting
- Return to work or school the same day
- Usually repeated over several sessions
It is a suitable option in early-stage, limited disease; success rates fall in extensive disease with multiple tracts.
Laser treatment for pilonidal sinus
A thin laser probe is placed inside the sinus tract and the tunnel is closed by controlled shrinkage from within. The advantages are:
- No large incision or open wound
- Markedly less pain after the procedure
- Return to daily life usually within a few days
- No need for prolonged dressing changes
Surgical methods
Surgery may be required in extensive, multi-tract or recurrent disease:
- Leaving the wound open: the diseased tissue is excised and the wound is left to heal from the base. The recurrence rate is low, but healing takes four to eight weeks and requires regular dressings.
- Flap techniques (Limberg, Karydakis): after excision the wound is closed with a flap raised from adjacent tissue. Because the suture line is moved away from the midline, recurrence rates are low and healing is faster.
Which Method Suits Whom?
There is no single "best method". The decision takes into account:
- The stage of disease: abscess, chronic discharge, first episode or recurrence
- The number and extent of tracts
- Treatments already tried
- The patient's occupation and how much time off work they can manage
- Hair density in the area and body weight
The general tendency is to start with minimally invasive methods in early, limited disease, and to prefer surgical techniques with low recurrence rates in extensive or recurrent disease.
Preventing Recurrence
The most frustrating aspect of pilonidal sinus is its tendency to recur. To reduce recurrence:
- Keeping the area hair-free: laser hair removal is more effective than shaving or depilatory creams
- Keeping the area dry and clean and reducing sweating
- Weight control
- Avoiding long uninterrupted periods of sitting; taking short breaks each hour
- Choosing breathable cotton underwear
Note: Whatever method is used to treat pilonidal sinus, the likelihood of recurrence rises markedly if hair in the area is not brought under control. Hair removal after treatment should therefore be regarded as an integral part of the treatment itself.
Non-Surgical and Laser Treatment for Pilonidal Sinus
Pilonidal sinus is among the principal areas of interest listed on Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci's professional profiles. Depending on the stage of the disease, he applies treatments ranging from non-surgical methods to surgery.
- Non-surgical phenol treatment for pilonidal sinus
- Laser pilonidal sinus surgery and abscess drainage
- Pilonidal sinus surgery is among his registered services
- Laser applications in anal and perianal conditions
Pilonidal sinus most often appears at a young age, during student years or military service, and the choice of treatment directly determines how many weeks of a person's life are lost. For that reason the decision is made by weighing the patient's age, occupation and the stage of the disease together.
Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci has practised in Mersin since 2010 and currently works at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Consultations and operations in Pilonidal Sinus are carried out at this hospital. Patients travelling from Mersin and neighbouring provinces can book via WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsAppDoes pilonidal sinus resolve on its own?
Small pits causing no symptoms may sometimes never cause trouble. However, once discharge and abscesses have started, tunnels have formed beneath the skin and complete spontaneous healing should not be expected.
Does non-surgical treatment really work?
In early-stage, limited disease, phenol and laser methods give good results. In extensive, multi-tract and recurrent disease the success rate falls, and surgical methods come to the fore.
How soon can I return to work after treatment?
With laser and phenol procedures, usually within a few days. With the open technique the dressing process can extend this to several weeks. With flap techniques it is generally one to two weeks.
Is hair removal essential?
It may not be strictly essential, but it is the single most effective measure in preventing recurrence. Laser hair removal markedly reduces the chance of the disease restarting by preventing hairs from burrowing in.
My abscess has burst. Do I still need treatment?
Yes. Drainage of the abscess relieves the pain but does not treat the disease. Because the tunnels beneath the skin remain, the abscess will recur unless definitive treatment is carried out.
How the decision is made, what pre-operative preparation involves, and how nutrition and the weight-loss timeline work after surgery.
Answers to the most common questions about appointments, the hospital, treatment scope and surgical experience are in the FAQ section on the home page.
All Blog ArticlesConsultation and Appointments in Mersin
For Pilonidal Sinus and related symptoms you can book an appointment at Medicalpark Mersin Hospital. Mezitli / Mersin, Turkey, weekdays 09:00-17:00.
WhatsApp: +90 542 236 05 33Disclaimer. This article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Do not start, change or stop any treatment on the basis of the information here. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health and see a healthcare provider about your symptoms. The site owner accepts no liability for any consequences arising from use of this content. Last updated: 2026-08-07.