Obesity, Hypertrichosis and Sex Steroids: Are these Factors Related to the Pilonidal Sinus Disease?

Abstract

Objectives: Pilonidal sinus disease causes chronic inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, and it commonly localises in the sacrococcygeal region. This study evaluated the effects of hypertrichosis, family history, obesity and sex steroids in 298 patients with pilonidal sinus disease. Methods: The medical records of 618 patients treated at the General Surgery Clinic of Malatya State Hospital for primary pilonidal sinus disease between January 2014 and December 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Female sex and family histories of pilonidal sinus disease and hypertrichosis were significantly higher in patients with than without hypertrichosis (p=0.030, p=0.035, p<0.001). The mean progesterone level was significantly lower in female patients with hypertrichosis than female patients without hypertrichosis (p=0.003). Conclusion: Being overweight or obese, having an occupation that requires long-time sitting and having a family history predisposed to developing pilonidal sinus disease.