The use of fusidic acid gel in pilonidal abscess treatment: cure, recurrence and failure rates.

Eighty one consecutive patients with pilonidal abscesses were treated by incision, curettage and primary closure with local instillation of 2% fusidic acid gel (Fucidin Caviject). Normal activity was resumed early (mean 13 days) with a low recurrence rate (13%). The regimen allows treatment as an outpatient, healing time is short and there is an early return to work. These features provide potential financial benefits to the Health Service, employee and employer.