Pilonidal cyst

A pilonidal cyst, also referred to as a pilonidal abscess, pilonidal sinus or sacrococcygeal fistula, is a cyst or abscess near or on the natal cleft of the buttocks that often contains hair and skin debris. Pilonidal means "nest of hair", and is derived from the Latin words for hair ("pilus") and nest ("nidus"). The term was used by Herbert Mayo as early as 1830. R.M. Hodges was the first to use the phrase "pilonidal cyst" to describe the condition in 1880. Pilonidal cysts are often very painful, affect men more frequently than women, and typically occur between the ages of 15 and 24. Although usually found near the coccyx, the condition can also affect the navel, armpit or genital region, though these locations are much more...