| Pilonidal dimple or Sacral dimple .
Definition:
Pilonidal dimple is a small pit or sinus in the sacral area
at the very top of the crease between the buttocks.
Alternative Names:
Sacral dimple
Background::
The majority of pilonidal dimples are harmless, congenital
anomalies that consist of a small depression or pit. These
may occasionally be associated with increased hairiness around
the area.
The pilonidal dimple may also be a deep tract, rather than
a shallow depression, leading to a sinus that may contain
hair. These can become infected and drain. On rare occasions,
the tract (sinus) may extend into the spinal cord.
During adolescence, the pilonidal dimple or tract may become
infected forming a cyst-like structure called a pilonidal
cyst. These may require surgical drainage or total excision
to prevent reinfection.
Common Causes:
congenital pilonidal dimple
congenital dermal sinus (of which the dimple is the mildest
form)
Management:
Keep pilonidal dimples clean and free of debris during regular
bathing. Report any drainage of fluid from the dimple, either
clear or containing pus, to your health care provider.
Call your GP if:
you note swelling, redness, drainage or tenderness around
the pilonidal dimple.
What to expect at GP:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination
performed. In the vast majority of cases, the examining physician
will merely comment that your infant or child has a pilonidal
dimple and that you should not worry. On the rare occasion
(when other findings may be associated), you may be asked
the following information:
Medical history questions documenting pilonidal dimple in
detail may include:
Has there been any change in the appearance of the pilonidal
dimple?
Has there been any drainage from the dimple?
Are any other symptoms developing?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is there any numbness or loss of movement in the legs?
Has there been any change in bladder control?
If the lesion is an infected pilonidal cyst, surgery to remove
the cyst may be recommended. Studies may be done to determine
if the sinus extends into the spinal cord
|
