Pilonidal dimple

Alternative names:

sacral dimple, sacral sinus, pilonidal sinus

Home care:

Keep pilonidal dimples clean and free of debris during the regular bath. Report any drainage of fluid from the dimple, either clear or containing pus, to your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• you note swelling, redness, drainage or tenderness around the pilonidal dimple.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

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.

Your health care provider will examine the area to determine the nature of the lesion. 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.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a pilonidal dimple to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial