Ayurvedic review article on pilonidal sinus

Abstract

Pilonidal sinus disease is chronic acquired condition leading to significant morbidity and associated healthcare costs. Several techniques have been described to manage this condition with no treatment gaining universal acceptance. Pilonidal sinus is a common disease of the natal cleft in the sacrococcygeal region with weak hair accumulation occurring in the hair follicles, which can be chronic and undergo acute exacerbation. The patient presents with the complaints, which are characteristics of inflammation-a painful swelling, redness, local temperature raised or with a sinus discharge. Prolong sitting, presence of deep natal cleft, obesity; repeated irritation due to hair, family history may increase the risk of disease. In Ayurvedic science Pilonidal sinus is better correlated and treated as the Nadi vrana. Acharya Sushruta mentioned eight types of sinuses as Nadivarna. Among these, pilonidal sinus canbe considered under Shalyaj Nadivrana.