According to experts, pilonidal sinus, known as ingrown hair, is defined as a problem that occurs when the hair in the coccyx (Sacrum Coccyx) area grows into the skin as a result of sweating and sitting for a long time, making a nest under the skin. Although it is known to generally affect adults, it has been observed that its frequency has increased in the young population, especially in recent years.
Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay attributed the reason for this change to her lifestyle. According to Karaçay, obesity and inactivity are the most important risk factors for the emergence of this infection, which seriously affects the person's quality of life. Karaçay said, “However, it is more common especially in children whose first-degree relatives have had surgery due to ingrown hair. This shows the effect of genetic factors. "Personal hygiene is as important as the risk factors mentioned in the occurrence of ingrown hairs," he said.
It can cause pain and fever
He stated that ingrown hairs first manifest themselves with abscesses and discharge. Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay said, “Failure to intervene early in an abscess can cause serious pain and fever. When a specialist is consulted with these symptoms, physical examination and patient history are sufficient for diagnosis. "There is no need for any imaging method," he said. Assoc. Prof. stated that ingrown hairs can be seen not only in the coccyx but also in different parts of the body. Dr. Şafak Karaçay emphasized that complaints about ingrown hair can be encountered in the armpit, around the belly button, and even on the neck when beard begins to grow.
Untreated ingrown hair can lead to other diseases
Assoc. Dr. Şafak Karaçay said: “Treatment of ingrown hairs must be done. If left untreated, it gradually enlarges the cavity inside the coccyx and makes surgical intervention more difficult. Even if surgical intervention is performed at this stage, the risk of recurrence increases. When diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is easier and children can return to their normal lives faster. Although the rate of occurrence in adults is 3 times higher in men than in women, it does not occur until the age of 15. There is not a significant difference proportionally between girls and boys under �. Pediatric Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. explains that while planning, the method to be applied varies depending on whether the case is early or late. Dr. Şafak Karaçay gave the following information about the treatment: “The treatment of acute ingrown hair is done by surgical and medical methods. In cases detected early, abscess drainage and cleaning of the infected area can be performed. However, this procedure is not a definitive treatment and in some cases the problem recurs. In chronic and recurrent ingrown hairs, the definitive treatment of the disease is surgical removal of the sinus canal. When performing this procedure, it is of great importance to clean and remove all problematic tissue and move the suture line beyond the midline. The most important factor affecting the success of both medical and surgical procedures is early diagnosis and treatment. In patients caught very early, it is sufficient to ensure hygiene, cleanse the area of hair and observe it from time to time for infection.”
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