Symptoms vary from a small dimple to a large painful mass. There may be a discharge that is clear, cloudy or bloody. When infected, the area becomes red and painful. There may also be fever.

Nearly all patients have an episode of an acute infection (the area is swollen, tender, and may drain pus). After the infection settles, many patients develop a sinus, which is a cavity below the skin surface that connects to the surface through one or more small openings. Most patients will need a small operation to remove the sinus.

Some patients get repeated infections and inflammation of these sinus tracts, resulting in episodes of swelling, pain, and discharge of pus. Surgery is almost always required to resolve this condition.