Presentation, Management, and Women's Health Implications of Pilonidal Disease

Many people think of pilonidal disease (PD) in its acute presentation, which is an abscess at the gluteal cleft that is warm and tender with purulent drainage. In this article, we describe how PD is an acute, chronic, and recurring disease that requires clinicians to be vigilant in assessments, treatments, therapies, referrals, and patient education. Because PD is more common in men than women, it is often misdiagnosed and undertreated in female patients. Its impact on an individual's life, work, and health, however, cannot be underestimated. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care can positively impact quality of life for people with PD.