Abstract Pilonidal sinus of the umbilicus is rarely reported, and there are only 17 reported cases. On reviewing the records from Jordan University Hospital, 24 patients who were treated surgically for a discharging umbilical sinus were found. Three patients had known causes for their umbilical sepsis, namely stitch sinus, urachal remnant and an umbilical polyp. Of the remaining 21 patients, seven had clinical and pathological evidence of hair in their umbilicus. Most of our patients were young men who presented with discharge, soreness or pain, swelling, and cellulitis. Treatment by umbilical excision, leaving the skin defect to heal by secondary intention, proved satisfactory. The resultant scar resembles a normal umbilicus.