Is an infection in the skin between buttocks (gluteal cleft). It results from reaction to hairs embedded in the skin. More common in men, obese people, and those with thick stiff body hair. The origin of this disease is controversial. Some think it is a congenital problem and others think it is an acquired disease.

Symptoms:  The chronic disease episodes cause swelling, pain, and drainage. Surgery is almost always required to resolve this condition.

Treatment: Hair in the gluteal cleft must be cleaned. An acute abscess is managed with an incision to drain the pus. The chronic sinus must be removed surgically. Procedures vary from unroofing (left open) the sinuses to complete removal and possible closure with flaps. During healing the skin in the buttock crease must be kept clean and free of hair.

(Simplified from Patient Eduction Brochures of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)