Incidence and aetiological factors in pilonidal sinus among Turkish soldiers.

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence and causes of pilonidal sinus in Turkish soldiers.

METHODS

Open study by questionnaire.

METHODS

Military and University hospitals, Turkey.

METHODS

1000 soldiers who presented for their first medical examination.

METHODS

Correlation between factors known to be associated with pilonidal sinus, and incidence of pilonidal sinus.

RESULTS

88/1000 soldiers had pilonidal sinuses; in 48 they were symptomatic and in 40 asymptomatic. The factors associated with the presence of a pilonidal sinus were: family history of pilonidal sinus (18/88 compared with 32/912, p < 0.0001); obesity defined as weight over 90 kg (34/88 compared with 32/912, p < 0.0001); being the driver of a vehicle (58/88 compared with 308/912, p < 0.0001); and the incidence of folliculitis or a furuncle at another site on the body (22/88 compared with 64/912, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition, penetration of hair is the main cause, and the disease can be prevented if the aetiological factors are understood.