It usually starts as a small, painless pit but can quickly turn into a painful abscess. Recognizing the early signs prevents complex surgery.
The most common early sign. You feel localized pain or tenderness at the tailbone (coccyx) when sitting on hard surfaces or doing sit-ups.
A small cyst or large boil develops between the buttocks. It feels tender to touch and may look red and inflamed.
The cyst may burst or leak foul-smelling yellow pus or blood. This often relieves the pain temporarily but leaves a wet feeling.
Tiny visible holes in the midline of the natal cleft. These are the entry points for hair and bacteria.
If the infection spreads (Acute Abscess), you may develop a low-grade fever and feel generally unwell.
Symptoms change depending on whether it is infected or dormant.
The hair block causes bacteria to multiply rapidly. Pus collects under pressure.
After the abscess bursts, a tunnel (sinus) remains. It drains intermittently.
Identifying the signs
"Common boils heal in a week. If you have a recurring boil near your tailbone that drains and comes back, it is 100% Pilonidal Sinus."
Dr. Jaya Maheshwari explains how to differentiate a common skin boil from a Pilonidal Abscess, and why squeezing it at home is dangerous.
Go to the hospital if:
