What is ingrown hair? How is ingrown hair treated?

It is a condition that should be treated as early as possible, which is seen mostly in young people and causes bleeding, discharge and bad smell. This condition, especially seen in young men and women, is actually a skin disease that manifests itself in the coccyx. So, what is ingrown hair? How is the treatment process?

What is Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus)?

“What is pilonidal sinus?” Pilonidal sinus is a pocket formed under the skin composed of skin tissue and hair debris. In other words, the hairs shed from the back or nape are collected in the tailbone and may enter under the skin due to the structural features of the hair. Fortunately, this can be prevented if the necessary hygiene conditions are met and excess hair is removed regularly. However, the only thing that can be done when the situation has occurred is to get help from a general surgeon.

In which parts of the body ingrown hairs (pilonidal sinus) are seen?

“Where does ingrown hair occur?” It is one of the most frequently asked questions about the subject. Usually the buttocks and coccyx are the classical areas for ingrown hairs. In addition, although rare, it can occur in the armpits, groin, face and between the fingers. In some people it may even be seen in the navel region.

Who Gets Ingrown Hairs (Pilonidal Sinus)?

This condition is mostly seen in men between the ages of 15 and 40. The biggest trigger of this situation is sedentary lifestyle. For this reason, it is usually seen in people who work sitting and spend a lot of time on the computer.

What Causes Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus)?

“How does ingrown hair occur?” If you are wondering, you should know that experts have 2 different theories for the formation of pilonidal sinus. These theories are:

1. Accumulation of hair and shed hair from the body under the skin, entering through sweat pores. According to this theory, the area where the hairs accumulate is surrounded by a membrane and a cystic structure. With the body's reaction to the hairs, the liquid is released and a foul-smelling discharge is produced.

2. Presence of congenital stem cells in the region of ingrown hair which are activated by hormones.

What are the Symptoms of Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus)?

Insidiously progressing ingrown hair does not cause discomfort at first, but when it progresses, it manifests itself with certain symptoms. Ingrown hair symptoms:

• Discharge
• Inflammation with green discharge
• Foul smelling discharge
• Pain, swelling, itching and redness in the anus area

What are the Risk Factors for Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus)?

 Risk factors include:

• Excessive sweating
• Excessively hairy body
• Shaving with razor
• Hair follicles being prone to inflammation
• Obesity
• Poor personal hygiene

How is Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus) Treated?

There are various treatment methods for ingrown hair that do not require surgery. However, in cases where these methods are not successful, pilonidal sinus surgery is performed. Long-awaited treatment of ingrown hair complicates the treatment process. The sooner people with ingrown hair are intervened, the faster the recovery period is. Laser therapy is recommended in the treatment of ingrown hairs. In the treatment process, together with the laser device, the tunnels formed especially in the coccyx are intervened and the tunnels are closed with the energy of the laser beam and healing process is initiated.

Ingrown Hair (Pilonidal Sinus) Surgery and Post-operative period

A discharge may develop at the wound site after pilonidal sinus surgery. If inflammation occurs after pilonidal sinus surgery, the doctor should be contacted immediately. In addition, the comments after pilonidal sinus surgery are in favour of the absence of activity restrictions. After pilonidal sinus surgery, there may be problems with urination. This is due to spinal anesthesia used during the surgery. If problems with urination persists, the doctor should be consulted and necessary precautions should be taken.