Pilonidal sinus of the axilla: report of five patients and review of the literature.

Five patients with a pilonidal sinus of the axilla--thought to be the 9th to 13th described in the literature--are reported. All patients were nonhirsute, healthy women aged 17 to 30 years. One or two hairs were seen macroscopically and histologically in 3 of 5 patients, and 1 hair was seen macroscopically in the remaining 2 patients. Friction (abduction-adduction) or suction, as well as assorted factors such as shaving, minor infection, and maceration, seemed to be the most probable cause of pilonidal sinus of the axilla. Complete resection, including the openings of 1 or 2 sinuses, is the only suitable treatment for axillary suppuration.