discharge
Drainage Near Tailbone
Also called: Sacrococcygeal Drainage
Drainage near the tailbone is the discharge of fluid from an opening in the sacrococcygeal or natal cleft region. This is the characteristic sign of a chronic pilonidal sinus, an acquired condition resulting from the subcutaneous embedding of hair, which creates a foreign body reaction and a persistent epithelialized tract. The drainage, which can be serous, purulent, or bloody, signifies chronic inflammation of this tract. While the drainage itself is a chronic nuisance, it becomes an acute surgical issue if the tract obstructs, leading to the formation of a painful pilonidal abscess. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the identification of midline pits in the natal cleft.
Frequently asked questions
Is the drainage a sign of infection?
The chronic drainage from a pilonidal sinus is a sign of inflammation, not necessarily an acute infection that requires antibiotics. The fluid is a mix of inflammatory exudate, broken-down skin cells, and debris. It only becomes an acute infection if an abscess forms.
Will this go away on its own?
No, a pilonidal sinus tract is a permanent anatomical channel under the skin and will not close or heal on its own. While symptoms of drainage may come and go, the underlying sinus will persist and is likely to cause problems again in the future without definitive treatment.
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