Pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel-like opening above the buttocks, exactly above the point where the crease of the buttocks begins. The sinus may get infected and needs treatment. If not treated in time, it may develop an abscess.

The exact reasons for pilonidal sinus are not known. One reason is that the hair near the buttocks grows inwards or the hair falling on the buttocks may accumulate at that point. The ingrowing hair gets embedded in the skin and form a pit with swelling around it.

If you have pilonidal sinus, you may have the following symptoms: pain that gets worse when you sit or put pressure on the buttocks; a swollen area at the top of the buttocks; blood and fluid oozing out of the area; foul smell; nausea; tiredness; fever; and itching at the site.

Yes, pilonidal sinus is a curable condition. The doctor will treat it by draining the pus and cleaning the wound. Medication such as antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory will also help to cure the condition. If an abscess has developed, a surgeon will remove it surgically. If you do not get proper treatment for the first time it might recur.

Pilonidal sinus can be a hereditary condition. If someone in your family has the condition, there are chances that you may have it too. The shape of buttocks, the type of hair growing near the cleft are hereditary, hence many persons in the same family may have this condition.