Private pilonidal sinus clinic in London, same-day GP.
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttock cleft, caused by hairs working their way into the skin and provoking inflammation. It affects young adults, more often men, and it ranges from a painless dimple noticed by accident to a recurrent abscess that disrupts work and study. Our private GP clinic in East London offers same-day pilonidal sinus assessment with a private GP, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a small tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttock cleft, caused by hairs working their way into the skin and provoking inflammation. It affects young adults, more often men, and it ranges from a painless dimple noticed by accident to a recurrent abscess that disrupts work and study.
- What pilonidal sinus is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding pilonidal sinus
Pilonidal sinus: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Seek same-day assessment if there is
- a rapidly enlarging, exquisitely painful swelling
- fever, shivering or feeling generally unwell
- spreading redness across the buttock or lower back
- severe pain out of proportion with rapid deterioration
- these symptoms with diabetes or a weakened immune system
An abscess needs draining, and antibiotics alone will not resolve it. Rapidly spreading infection in this area is uncommon but serious. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
How it presents
- one or more small pits or dimples in the midline at the top of the buttock cleft
- intermittent discharge — blood, pus or clear fluid — staining underwear
- a painful swelling when it becomes infected, often coming on over a day or two
- pain on sitting, driving or cycling
- sometimes nothing at all until the first abscess
Why it happens
Hairs — usually from the back or head rather than growing there — are driven into the skin of the cleft by friction and movement. The body treats them as foreign material and forms an inflammatory tunnel around them. It is commoner in people with coarse dark body hair, those who sit for long periods (drivers, students, office workers), and after a period of weight gain. It is not caused by poor washing, though hygiene helps once it exists.
If it becomes an abscess
- Incision and drainage under local anaesthetic gives immediate relief. This is the treatment; antibiotics are added only where there is surrounding cellulitis or you are systemically unwell.
- The cavity is packed or left open and takes two to six weeks to heal.
- Around half of people go on to develop a chronic sinus needing definitive treatment.
- Daily showering and gentle irrigation of the wound speeds healing.
Definitive surgery
There is no single best operation, and the choice trades healing time against recurrence risk. This is worth discussing properly rather than accepting the first option offered.
- Pit picking (Bascom or Gips procedure) — minimally invasive, removes the pits and cleans out the cavity through small incisions. Quick recovery, back to work in days, moderate recurrence rate, and repeatable.
- Excision left open to heal — low recurrence, but healing takes six to twelve weeks with daily dressings.
- Excision with flap closure (Karydakis or Limberg) — flattens the cleft and moves the scar off the midline. Lowest recurrence for extensive disease, larger operation, two to four weeks off.
- Midline closure is now generally avoided; recurrence is high because the scar sits in the cleft where the problem started.
- Endoscopic and laser techniques are available in some centres.
Reducing recurrence
Helps
- Hair removal from the cleft — laser has the best evidence and outlasts shaving
- Keeping the area clean and thoroughly dry
- Losing excess weight, which reduces the depth of the cleft
- Breaking up long periods of sitting; a cushion for drivers
- Loose cotton underwear
Avoid
- Shaving with a razor, which produces sharp stubble that penetrates skin more easily
- Waiting for a third or fourth abscess before seeking definitive treatment
- Assuming antibiotics will resolve an abscess
- Prolonged cycling or driving during a flare
- Picking at the pits
GP services we offer
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Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
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You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private GP for pilonidal sinus in London
At our private GP clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private GP or pilonidal sinus doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant GP will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about pilonidal sinus.
Local, private, fast
A private GP clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private pilonidal sinus appointment with a GP, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private GP clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and GP under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private GP for pilonidal sinus — the same day.
Book a private pilonidal sinus assessment in East London: same-day appointments, GP-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Pilonidal sinus in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private pilonidal sinus specialist near me in East London?
Our private GP clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private GP or pilonidal sinus doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private GP for pilonidal sinus the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a GP or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private pilonidal sinus appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the pilonidal sinus assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private GP for pilonidal sinus?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a GP, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private pilonidal sinus care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.