- Non-surgical
- Dressing-free
- ~15 minutes
- Local anesthesia
Pilonidal Sinus (Phenol) — what is it?
Pilonidal sinus is a tract-forming, inflammatory disease, usually in the tailbone area, caused by shed body hairs burrowing under the skin. It is more common in men due to denser hair; left untreated it causes abscess, discharge, swelling and pain, and does not resolve on its own.
Phenol treatment is a far more comfortable, incision-free method compared with classic open surgery. Under local anesthesia the sinus opening is entered, the hairs and inflamed tissue inside are cleaned, the surrounding skin is protected with a barrier cream, and phenol is then applied to the resulting cavity to chemically destroy the tract. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
How is it done?
- 1
Cleaning & preparation
The sinus opening is widened, the hairs and inflamed tissue under the skin are cleaned, and the surrounding skin is protected.
- 2
Phenol application
Under local anesthesia, phenol is applied to the cavity to chemically close the tract.
- 3
Healing
No dressing is needed; the area heals naturally within a few days.
Benefits
- No incision or stitches
- No dressing required
- Performed under local anesthesia
- Completed in about 15 minutes
- Fast return to work/school
- Comfortable healing and low recurrence vs. open surgery
Who is it for?
- Those with early–to–mid stage pilonidal sinus
- Those who decline open surgery and want fast healing
- Those seeking a definitive treatment after abscess drainage
Aftercare
- No showering for the first 48 hours
- No regular dressing required
- Keeping the area dry and clean
- Recommended care to reduce hair growth (epilation when needed)
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
Phenol application is performed under local anesthesia, so it is a painless procedure.
Do I need to stay in hospital?
No, you are discharged as soon as the procedure ends.
When can I shower?
Showering is usually recommended 48 hours after the procedure.
How many sessions are needed?
A few sessions are sufficient for most patients; it varies with the size of the sinus.
Does it recur?
Recurrence is low with proper care and hair control.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can return to daily life and work the next day.
