Hair bearing skin on mucosal cavities or part of treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence

Hair-bearing skin on mucosal cavities refers to hair growth in areas normally lined by moist tissue, and hair removal may also be used as part of the management of pilonidal sinus disease to help reduce recurrence. There is currently no harmonised Central East ICB clinical policy. Local area policies transferred to Central East ICB are available where these exist.

Clinical policies aim to prevent avoidable harm to patients by only offering treatments on the NHS that are evidence-based, clinically safe and effective, as well as cost effective and a good use of resources.

Information:

Currently there is not a single clinical policy for hair bearing skin on mucosal cavities or part of treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence, that applies to people across the whole Central East area.

Where a legacy Integrated Care Board (ICB) had an agreed clinical policy on hair bearing skin on mucosal cavities or part of treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence, this policy transferred to Central East ICB on 1 April 2026. Previously agreed policies will continue to apply only to people living in that former ICB’s area until any new policy is adopted by NHS Central East ICB.

Where an area doesn’t have a previously agreed policy on hair bearing skin on mucosal cavities or part of treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence, support for patients in that area will be based on a routine commissioning pathway.

Local clinical policy positions for hair bearing skin on mucosal cavities or part of treatment for pilonidal sinuses to reduce recurrence

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery BLMK Policy

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

No Policy (Routine Commissioning Pathway)

Hertfordshire and West Essex

No Policy (Routine Commissioning Pathway)