Patients with pilonidal sinus may often have difficulty explaining their condition to their friends and family. However, cases of pilonidal sinus that are diagnosed early by healthcare professionals can usually be treated successfully. Treatment options may include medication, drainage, and surgical intervention. Patients cooperating with healthcare professionals during the treatment process and sharing their problems can contribute to a faster recovery process.
What is ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair is a skin condition that usually occurs in the coccyx area. This condition occurs when hairs or hairs from various parts of the body become embedded in pores or skin cavities and form a cystic structure there. Inflammation may develop in the areas with ingrown hairs over time, and this condition may manifest itself with symptoms such as pain, tenderness and foul-smelling discharge. We can answer the question of what causes ingrown hairs as follows:
- It starts when hair or feathers on certain parts of the body get stuck in the pores or spaces under the skin. This can usually occur due to friction or pressure.
- The hair or feather remains under the skin and over time may cause a foreign body reaction in this area. During this process, a cystic structure is formed.
- Ingrown hairs can occur when the hair follicle (the root from which the hair grows) becomes blocked. The hair’s normal exit path is blocked, which can cause the hair to grow under the skin.
- Some people, especially those with a family history of ingrown hairs, are more prone to this problem.
- Hormonal changes can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, especially during puberty or in people taking hormonal treatments.
- Situations such as remaining inactive for long periods of time or working while sitting may increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
Although ingrown hairs are usually seen in the coccyx area, they can rarely occur in other body areas such as the belly button. The risk of this condition is higher, especially in hairy or furry areas.
What are the symptoms of ingrown hair?
Symptoms of ingrown hairs usually include a noticeable elevation under the skin in the form of a lump or bump, usually in the coccyx area, rarely in other areas such as the belly button. The lump or bump is usually tender to touch or pressure. The skin around the lump or bump may be red. When an infection develops or an abscess forms, a foul-smelling discharge may come from the area of the ingrown hair. When ingrown hairs progress or are left untreated, an abscess may develop.
How to cure ingrown hair?
Antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatories can be used to treat acute inflammation and abscesses. If necessary, the abscess may need to be surgically drained. Surgery is the most common method used to treat chronic ingrown hairs. There are different surgical techniques available and your doctor will choose the one that is most appropriate for you. In some cases, laser treatment can also be used to treat ingrown hairs. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicles and prevents the hair from re-embedding in the skin.
Pilonidal sinus surgery is a surgical method used to treat pilonidal sinus, also known as pilonidal sinus. Pilonidal sinus surgery is performed to remove inflammation and abscesses, reduce the risk of recurrence, and improve quality of life.
What happens if ingrown hair is not treated?
If inflammation and infection continue in the area of the pilonidal sinus, this can lead to abscess formation. If pilonidal sinus is not treated, it can become chronic. In this case, recurrent inflammation, abscess and wounds can occur in the area of the pilonidal sinus.
Ingrown hairs can cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and discharge. This can negatively affect daily activities and quality of life.
Can ingrown hairs turn into cancer?
A very small portion of ingrown hair cases (approximately 0.4% – 4%) carry the risk of becoming cancerous. This condition is called epidermoid carcinoma. Epidermoid carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). When is ingrown hair dangerous, we can give the following answer:
- A new swelling or nodule in the area of the ingrown hair
- Failure of the wound to heal or reopening
- Crusting, ulceration or bleeding at the wound site
- Pain, redness or discharge in the area of the ingrown hair
- Swelling of the lymph nodes