Pilonidal omphalitis in a teenager: A case report

Pilonidal omphalitis (PO) is a rare manifestation of retained hair in the umbilicus that can lead to inflammation and present with umbilical pain and discharge. A previously healthy 15-year-old male presented with a one-year history of foul-smelling, serosanguinous umbilical discharge and associated pain. He reported no other symptoms or underlying issues. A course of topical antiseptic (povidone-iodine) was ineffective, and ultrasound imaging revealed no underlying pathology. Umbilical exploration identified an umbilical pilonidal sinus containing hair. The hair was removed, and the granulation tissue was cauterized using bipolar diathermy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and during routine follow-up visits, the patient reported significant symptom resolution with no further complaints. Pilonidal omphalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis for young adolescents with significant hair growth who present with umbilical discharge. Prompt and thorough treatment is essential to prevent a prolonged disease course.