Keep the PS area free from Hair if possible

[SaltPepper]

I was advised by my surgeon when I had the 3 sinuses to removal all the hair from the affected area (This can be a logistical nightmare depending on where you have the problem) Here is what i found from my own experiences.

So how do you do it?

1) shaving
I did not like this as when i tried it I got an abscess as it irritated the area, it can also be very difficult in areas you cannot see. Also should not be done on broken skin

2) Waxing
again did not like this as was not feasible with open sinuses (Imagine getting that pulled!) Also should not be done on broken skin

3) Hair removal creams
I did use these around the area but they are not to be used on broken skin so could not use near the sinuses themselves.

4) Laser
This I got on the NHS (Only after the private consultant i went to advised i would be eligible to get t on the NHS and spoke to my surgeon to get me on the list) This did initially close 2 out of the 3 sinuses for 8 months I have had attacks again but it also makes additional surgery easier etc I would recommend anyone who has this condition tries to get this as can be used on mucus membrane also not just normal skin for those who do not have it on the tailbone. It also makes the wound care much easier

[Steven]

Hi SaltPepper, I was hoping this topic would crop up at some point . Since I first got the condition I have been advised a couple of times to try keep the area free from hair. Due to the location though, I really don't think it's something which I can do myself (well, at least not easily). I have asked the nurses to do it a few times before, which they have done with a razor, but I always got the feeling they were reluctant to do it regularly, and of course the hair just grows back soon afterwards. I have thought about alternatives such as waxing and creams, but like you said, there can be complications with broken skin and irritation. I was aware of laser treatment as well but because there's the debate on whether keeping pilonidal wounds hair free should actually be done or not, I wasn't sure whether laser treatment would be an available option. But now that you have not only had it done but have also recommended it, I'm quite interested in learning a bit more (considering my current knowledge level is zero ). Could you tell me if it's painful, any side affects, how much treatment is required, does hair ever grow back at all, and is it done under general anaesthetic? Thanks loads.

[SaltPepper]

Hi Steven.
I know what you mean the doctors sometimes don't understand that products cannot be used on broken skin.
With laser treatment there is a cream that can be used to numb the area before treatment, Unfortunately as mine is on mucus membrane I cannot use the freezing cream.

Even thought I cannot get frozen I would still do that once every 6 weeks for a couple of months. I get a bit red for a day or so but no pain only a bit of discomfort when they are actually doing it.

Without the numbing cream it feels a bit like getting a blast or warm air with a little pin prick every time they fire it (Some areas are more sensitive than others) I now have very little hair growth in the area and have been having the treatment since march and I'm down to every 8 weeks, eventually you just need top up sessions.
They say it does not completely get rid of the hair as it only kills follicles growing at the time but I have had my whole genital area done on the NHS and I can honestly say even if I don't get rid of the bits that grow every now and then I would not even manage a comb over!

I could use none of the other methods due to the area and i definitely feel it went a long way towards healing two of my 3 sinuses (These had been open for some time). Speak to your doctor and asked to be referred. You can get it on the NHS to manage conditions such as ours.

[Guest]

The nurse at the ER that was helping me after having my pilonidal cyst drained told me that I should get a product that prevents ingrown hairs and use it in that area. Does anyone know of any brands of this type of shampoo/cleanser? I didn't know that there was any products to help to this.

[SaltPepper]

I can't remember the name but just go to boots and ask for anti in grown hair solution (NOTE if you have an open sinus you cannot use this stuff on it) its a type of mild acid (Sounds terrible but not painful usually stored with the hair removers etc)... Hope this helps

[uplana]

Waxing is the best method to remove hair in PS condition but the major problem persists with the broken skin.Along with laser,removal of hairs by xenon flash lamps(intense pulsed light)is also gaining popularity due to its faster procedure.

[Julie]

There is a lotion that I have come across many times on other pilonidal sites (mainly US ones) called No Bump RX which seems to work well for others. This is suppose to prevent ingrowing hairs. I have just ordered some off Amazon for £10 so I will see if it is any good.

[Steven]

Hi Julie, I think you'll like No Bump RX. If you apply it a few days before hair removal and everyday afterwards then you should definitely notice a difference. Although it's designed to be non-irritating to the skin it's always best to test it on a less sensitive area first to make sure. It's not very popular in the UK as it's only made in the US. You may find that your order from Amazon gets imported.