Pilonidal sinus is a condition that can cause painful abscesses and cysts in the buttock area. The spelling of this word is pronounced /paɪ.ləʊˈnaɪ.dəl ˈsaɪ.nəs/. 'Pilonidal' is pronounced as "pie-low-nih-dull" with the stress on the second syllable. 'Sinus' is pronounced as "sy-nuhs" with the stress on the first syllable. This condition is caused by hair follicles that become infected and inflamed. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a pilonidal sinus.
A pilonidal sinus is a type of cyst or abscess that develops in the midline of the buttocks, just above the cleft of the buttocks. It is a sinus tract that forms beneath the skin and usually contains hair, skin debris, and other foreign matter. The name "pilonidal" comes from the Latin words "pilus" (hair) and "nidal" (nest), as the condition commonly involves the accumulation of hair in the sinus.
The condition typically occurs when hair punctures the skin and becomes embedded, leading to an inflammatory response and subsequent infection. Pilonidal sinuses are more common in men than women and often appear in young adults. Symptoms include pain or discomfort in the affected area, swelling, redness, and often the presence of pus or blood draining from the sinus. The condition may also cause fever and general malaise.
Treatment for pilonidal sinus typically involves draining the cyst, either through a small incision or by creating a small opening to allow for the drainage of pus and debris. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the sinus entirely in order to prevent recurrence. Good hygiene practices, such as regular cleansing and hair removal in the area, can help prevent pilonidal sinuses from developing.
The word "pilonidal sinus" has a medical etymology and is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
1. "Pilonidal" comes from the Latin words "pilus" meaning hair and "nidus" meaning nest. It was first used in medical literature around 1830 to describe a condition related to hair.
2. "Sinus" is a Latin word meaning a channel or a cavity. It was later adopted into medical terminology to refer to a tract or channel that forms within tissues or organs.
Therefore, "pilonidal sinus" literally means a nest of hair that forms a channel or cavity. This term is used to describe a condition where hair follicles become infected and form a sinus tract, typically in the coccyx (tailbone) region.