17780 Sacral Dimple

Overview

A sacral dimple is a small, shallow pit or indentation in the skin on the lower back, just above the crease of the buttocks. It is present from birth. For most people, it is completely harmless and is just a normal variation in how the skin looks.

Yes, a sacral dimple is a common finding in newborns. It is seen in a small percentage of all babies and is usually noticed during the first routine physical examination.

A sacral dimple is present at birth. It occurs in both boys and girls, across all ethnic groups. In most cases, it is an isolated finding without any related health problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A visible small pit or indentation in the skin at the bottom of the back.
• No pain, redness, discharge, or other symptoms in the vast majority of cases.

Symptoms in children

• In children, a simple sacral dimple usually causes no symptoms at all.
• Your baby's doctor may notice it during a routine newborn checkup and will look for any concerning features.

Symptoms in older adults

• In adults, the dimple may collect sweat, lint, or dead skin cells, especially if it is deep.
• Occasionally, it can become mildly irritated if rubbed by tight clothing, but this is still not a health concern.

Causes

Main causes

• A sacral dimple forms while a baby is growing in the womb. It happens when the skin in that area attaches to the tissue below it, creating a small pit.
• Most of these dimples are only in the skin and are not connected to the spine or spinal cord.
• In rare cases, a sacral dimple may be associated with an underlying problem such as a tethering of the spinal cord or a small tunnel (sinus) that connects to deeper tissue.

Risk factors

• There are no known lifestyle or dietary risk factors for a sacral dimple.
• Some rare genetic conditions are associated with sacral dimples, but these are unusual and usually have other signs as well.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child has any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you notice a discharge, spreading redness, or increasing pain around the dimple, see a doctor the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mention a sacral dimple at your next routine checkup if you have never had it looked at.
• If you are a parent and your baby has a sacral dimple that was not checked at birth, ask your doctor to examine it during a routine well-child visit.
• If you notice any new changes like hair, a lump, or skin color changes near the dimple, have it checked.

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose a sacral dimple simply by looking at it. They will check its position, size, depth, and whether there are any other visible features around it, such as a tuft of hair, a lump, a skin tag, or an opening that discharges fluid.

Tests that may be done

• In most cases, no tests are needed.
• If the dimple looks unusual or if there are any worrying signs, the doctor may suggest an ultrasound scan of the lower back, which uses sound waves to look at the tissues under the skin.
• In older children or adults, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be recommended to get a detailed picture of the spine if there is concern.
• A doctor may also do a simple neurological examination to test leg movement, strength, and reflexes.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your child's or your own health, look at the dimple, and check the legs and feet for normal movement and feeling. This is quick and painless. After the examination, the doctor will tell you whether any further tests are needed, but for most people the answer will be no.

Treatment

No treatment is needed for a typical sacral dimple. It is just an indentation in the skin that does not affect health or daily life. If it becomes irritated, simple skin care is usually enough.

Self-care at home

• Keep the area clean by washing it gently with soap and water during your regular bath or shower.
• Dry the area well by patting it with a towel.
• Avoid applying any oils, creams, or powders unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid friction and chafing.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment is only considered if the sacral dimple is linked to an underlying problem, such as an infection or a spinal cord abnormality. In such cases, the treatment depends on the specific condition. For example, an infection may be treated with antibiotics, and a spinal concern may require specialist care and possibly surgery. A qualified healthcare provider will explain the options clearly.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only rarely needed. It may be recommended if tests show that the dimple is connected to a deeper issue such as a tethered spinal cord or a dermal sinus tract (a small tunnel under the skin). In these cases, a specialist surgeon can repair the area to prevent future problems.

Living with this condition

For the vast majority of people, a sacral dimple is simply part of their body and requires no special attention. You can live your life exactly as you normally would.

Lifestyle tips

• You can exercise, play sports, and swim without any restrictions.
• There is no need to protect or cover the dimple.
• If you notice it collecting sweat or lint, just clean it gently during your regular shower.

Diet and exercise

There are no dietary or exercise restrictions for a sacral dimple. A healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity are good for everyone, regardless of a sacral dimple.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A sacral dimple is a normal physical feature and usually does not affect a person's emotional well-being. If you or your child feel self-conscious about it, talking to a counselor or your doctor can help. Reassuring your child that it is just a normal dimple, similar to a belly button, is often enough.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent a sacral dimple. It develops before birth, and it is not caused by anything a parent did or did not do.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not related to sacral dimples.

Screening programmes

Newborns receive a physical examination soon after birth, which often includes a check of the lower back. If a sacral dimple has unusual features, your doctor may recommend further imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI to rule out any underlying spinal issue. For adults, no special screening is needed.

Complications

If left untreated

• For a typical sacral dimple, there are no complications whether it is treated or not.
• In the rare case where a dimple is linked to a spinal cord problem, leaving it untreated could lead to symptoms such as leg weakness, numbness, or bladder and bowel issues. This is why any concerning signs are checked early.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is excellent. The vast majority of sacral dimples are harmless, and people who have them live full, healthy lives with no restrictions. Even when a dimple is associated with an underlying condition, early detection and treatment can lead to a very good outcome.

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