Pilonidal Care Clinic

Learn more or make an appointment:
Office Phone: (650) 723-6439
Email: pedsurg@stanfordchildrens.org

Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric surgeons, nurse practitioners, wound care specialist, and RN’s will provide your child with a complete evaluation and treatment, as well as follow-up plans. Our goal is to provide care that has the least impact on a patient’s life without the need for painful, debilitating operations. To us this means the least pain, fewest days of missed school and the shortest period of exercise restrictions. We also specialize in managing persistently draining and non healing wounds through our standardized protocol and wound care expertise.

Pilonidal disease is a chronic skin infection that occurs when hair follicles in the area between the buttocks become plugged up. Hair or skin debris become lodged in the sinus tract and begin to “pit”. The area subsequently becomes inflamed and tracts are created that can cause a “sinus”. Bacteria can enter the tract causing an infection or abscess. Pits commonly occur near the tailbone due to greater skin friction. Pilonidal disease is relatively common in teens and young adults and affects boys more often than girls. 

Pilonidal disease often appears as a lump or swollen area that hurts when pressed with a finger. Pus or blood may or may not be draining from the lump. In some cases, a child may have a lump with some drainage and no pain. If the area becomes infected, the pus will be foul smelling and the area around it may become red and tender. This is typically painful, especially when sitting. Some people may experience a small degree of pain when sitting, while others will be in severe pain.

Treatment options for pilonidal disease depend on the severity and individual needs, with a focus on a minimally invasive approach. Our treatment plans begin with improved hygiene and hair removal, which can be regularly managed in the clinic. 

Draining the Pus: Infection may be present, where surgery may be required to drain pus and fluid. Soaking in a warm tub or rinsing the infected area 1-2 times a day is highly recommended.

Removing the "pits" (Gips procedure): Pit picking is when the opening of the sinus tract is removed, allowing for the cavity to be cleaned out to drain the infection and remove any trapped hairs.

Hair Removal: There are multiple methods of hair removal from the area of concern, including shaving, chemical hair removal and laser hair removal.

Title: Comparing Operative vs Non Operative Treatment for Pilonidal Disease 

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05439291

For more information about Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Pilonidal Care Clinic:

Office Phone: (650) 723-6439
Office Email: pedsurg@stanfordchildrens.org

References: 

https://blog.4tests.com/9-best-pieces-of-advice-to-teenagers-from-the-25-crowd/

https://www.ptcnj.com- Symptoms of Pilonidal Disease