Pilonidal sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin near the tailbone, at the top of the buttocks, that can become painful and infected. Read more about pilonidal sinus →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the general surgery wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
general surgery waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust | Tameside | 3 weeks |
| The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust | Harlow | 4 weeks |
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust | Kirklees | 6 weeks |
| The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust | Kensington and Chelsea | 6 weeks |
| Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Milton Keynes | 6 weeks |
| County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust | Darlington | 6 weeks |
| Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust | North Tyneside | 6 weeks |
About pilonidal sinus
A pilonidal sinus is a small hole or tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttocks, in the cleft between them, near the tailbone. It can fill with fluid or pus and become a painful, swollen lump, sometimes with blood or a bad smell. It is thought to be linked to hairs that work their way under the skin. It is more common in young adults and in people who sit for long periods. Some people have no symptoms until it becomes infected.
How it is treated
If a pilonidal sinus becomes infected and forms an abscess, it usually needs to be drained, which quickly relieves the pain. For a sinus that keeps coming back or causing problems, a general surgeon can remove it with a small operation. There are different techniques, and the wound may be stitched closed or left open to heal gradually, which the surgeon will talk through with you.
After treatment
Healing after pilonidal surgery can take several weeks, and a wound left open to heal needs regular dressing changes, which a practice nurse can help with. You will be given advice on keeping the area clean and free of hair while it heals, which lowers the chance of it returning. Contact your GP or the clinic if the wound becomes more painful, red or swollen, or if the problem comes back.
Sources: NHS: Pilonidal sinus. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.