Early signs
A small dimple, tenderness or irritation in the cleft may appear before a larger abscess.
Tender spot
Redness
Swelling near tailbone
Pilonidal Sinus Info
Pilonidal Sinus Symptoms & Stages
Pilonidal disease may appear suddenly as a painful abscess or slowly as recurrent discharge from small openings in the cleft near the tailbone.
Patient Guide
Pilonidal Sinus Symptoms & Stages
Understand pilonidal sinus symptoms and stages, from painful abscess near the tailbone to chronic discharge and recurrent openings.
Abscess stage
A blocked infected cavity can cause severe pain, swelling, pus and fever.
Throbbing pain
Pus or blood discharge
Difficulty sitting
Chronic stage
Repeated drainage or multiple openings may indicate chronic sinus tracts.
Recurring wetness
Small holes in cleft
Repeated flare-ups
Related Reading
Explore Related Topics
Continue learning about pilonidal sinus — each linked topic adds important clinical context to help you prepare for your consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pilonidal sinus near the anus?
It usually occurs higher in the buttock cleft near the tailbone, not inside the anal canal.
When is it urgent?
Severe pain, fever or rapidly increasing swelling should be reviewed urgently.
Can symptoms settle by themselves?
A flare may drain and feel better, but chronic sinus can recur without treatment.
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Care Notes
Pain often worsens while sitting
Discharge may be foul-smelling
Fever suggests infection
Medical references used for this guide
This page is educational and does not replace a clinician's examination. References reviewed include ASCRS pilonidal disease patient information, and Cleveland Clinic pilonidal cyst guide.