Why Pilonidal Disease Primarily Affects People In Their Teens to Early 40s

Pilonidal disease most often occurs in people from their late teens to early 40s, with men from 13 to 26 being particularly susceptible.

Dr. Lisa Perryman at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists frequently treats patients with pilonidal disease. We’re prepared this blog to share what you need to know about pilonidal disease and why it mostly affects those of certain ages. 

Pilonidal sinuses

A pilonidal sinus is a cavity that forms beneath the skin near the top of the tailbone. It can become infected and require professional care. 

Simply having sinuses in the pilonidal area isn’t always enough to cause symptomatic pilonidal disease. However, sinuses are often punctured by a stiff hair, permitting skin debris, natural body oils, and the hair itself to become trapped and cause infection. 

From here, the area at the top of the buttock cleft often starts to become infected and symptoms can include: 

• Pain that’s sometimes worse when you sit
• A pit or dimple near the tailbone
• Inflammation and swelling in the area
• Leaking pus, blood, or a combination of both
• A foul odor accompanying pus discharge

In cases with advanced infections, you may also experience fever, fatigue, and nausea. 

Causes and demographics of pilonidal disease

Certain factors increase the risk of developing a pilonidal abscess. These include: 

• Gender: Men are up to four times more likely to develop pilonidal disease 
• Family history
• Age: between puberty and the age of 40
• Having a deep gluteal cleft
• Irregular size and/or shape of the buttocks
• Injury in the affected area
• Hormonal changes
• Obesity
• Poor hygiene
• Coarse or thick body hair, particularly around a pilonidal sinus
• Having a job that requires extended periods of sitting
• Wearing tight clothing

The reasons for pilonidal disease aren’t fully understood, but the oils and hair production of puberty may be a contributing factor for some people. Similarly, as you get older, your skin dries, and this may change skin conditions in favor of less oily skin. 

Though pilonidal disease favors some segments of the population, it’s possible for anyone to develop the condition. 

Treating pilonidal disease

When you develop an infected cyst, called an abscess, it may spontaneously drain on its own or require medical treatment. Some people develop chronic infections. While draining the abscess and/or taking antibiotics is what’s needed to temporarily treat the infection, more often pilonidal surgery is necessary to fully resolve your condition. 

When you suspect you have a pilonidal disease, schedule a consultation with Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado. Arrange your visit by phone or through our online booking link.