A simple visual exam is usually enough. However, spotting "Silent Pits" is crucial because missing even one pit can cause the disease to return.
The doctor looks for midline pits (tiny holes) in the natal cleft. A tuft of hair might be protruding from these pits. This confirms the diagnosis.
A blunt metal probe is gently inserted into the pit to determine the direction and length of the sinus tract under the skin.
For complex or recurrent cases, an MRI helps map out hidden branches of the sinus tract that extend deep into the buttocks.
Used to check if there is an acute abscess (pus collection) under the skin that needs immediate draining.
Pilonidal Sinus can sometimes be confused with other conditions. A proper diagnosis rules these out:
The Key to Cure
"You might see only one boil, but there could be 3 or 4 hidden pits feeding it. We must find and remove all of them."
Dr. Jaya Maheshwari shows why it's important to find *all* the pits (holes) in the midline. Leaving even one behind leads to recurrence.
In recurrent cases, an MRI is essential to see if the sinus track has branched out or gone deep towards the bone.
