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Head Lice – Help!!!

Every parent’s heart sinks when they receive the dreaded note from school warning about head lice. Don’t worry – Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy in Donabate is here to to give us advice and tips. The first thing to do is to check the child’s head. You will need some tea tree conditioner, a... Read more >

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Are You SunSmart?

We ask Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy Donabate how to make the most of great sunny summer days whilst protecting our skin from harmful rays. Jane says “The Irish Cancer Society SunSmart program has great guidelines to keep us safe. See below for some useful tips and advice” Ways to protect your skin: Shade... Read more >

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Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes

Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes… Talk to Jane Brennan, your Hay Fever Expert in Donabate Are your eyes itchy, red or watery? Is your throat scratchy? Are you sneezing? Do you have itchy ears, nose or mouth? Do you have a blocked or runny nose? Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Hay fever can cause... Read more >

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Life Pharmacy Ireland – Live Better

Bringing you the best health advice for your family

NHS Choices - Complications of a pilonidal sinus

(11/09/2011)

Several complications can occur as a result of surgery for a pilonidal sinus.

The pilonidal sinus can return

One review of several studies found that the pilonidal sinus returned in 7 out of 100 people who had surgery to remove it. Leaving the wound open after surgery, rather than closing it, reduced the risk of it returning by over one-third. 

Infection at the wound site

Infections can occur at the site where the pilonidal sinus was removed. One review found that infection occurred in up to 13 out of 100 people. Whether the wound was left open or closed did not affect the rate of infection.

Contact your GP immediately if you notice any signs that your wound may have become infected. Signs of infection include:

  • pain
  • red, swollen skin
  • a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
  • a feeling of heat at the site of the wound
  • fluid, pus or blood leaking from the site of the wound
  • an unpleasant smell coming from the site of the wound
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