When you bathe or change your newborn baby's clothes, have you ever noticed that there is a small dimple of skin on the back of his or her back, just above the crease between his or her buttocks? Some parents get a little worried and scared when they see this. "What is this? Is there something wrong with the baby?" They think. But in most cases, this is nothing to worry about. Today, let's talk about this small dimple, which is called a 'Sacral Dimple' in medical science.
Simply put, what is this Sacral Dimple?
The Sacral Dimple is a small dimple or hollow in the skin at the base of your newborn's back, just above the point where the buttocks meet. The word "Sacral" is used because it is located above the sacrum, the lowest bone in the spine.
This is something that is congenital . That is, it is something that develops while the baby is still in your womb. Most of the time, these small holes do not cause any problems for the baby. Even if this is still there as the baby grows, it will not be as obvious.
Are there any situations where this could be dangerous?
Yes, very rarely, that is, with a very low probability, this Sacral Dimple can be a symptom of some problem with the underlying spine or spinal cord. Two such possible conditions are:
- Spina bifida occulta: This is the mildest form of spina bifida. Simply put, it is a small defect in the spine and spinal cord that does not close properly when a baby is growing in the womb. Most of the time, this does not cause any major problems.
- Tethered spinal cord: Normally, our spinal cord is free to move within the spinal column. However, in this condition, the spinal cord is attached to a wall of the spinal column. This can cause the spinal cord to stretch as the baby grows.
But I repeat, these conditions are very rare. When your baby is born, the doctor will pay attention to this Sacral Dimple when he examines the baby completely. So don't worry too much about it.
Are there other types of 'dimples' like this?
Yes, not all dimples are the same. Let's see what the differences are between the three main types. To make it easier for you to understand, I'll put this in a table like this.
| Dimple type | Location | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sacral Dimple | Lower back, middle (above the buttocks) | It's something that comes from birth. It's usually harmless. But if you have certain symptoms, you should see a doctor. |
| Back Dimples (Dimples of Venus) | Lower back, two on each side of the spine | These are also things that come naturally. They are not completely harmless. In some cultures, they are considered beautiful and a sign of good luck. |
| Pilonidal Dimple | At the top of the wave between the buttocks | This is not something that is present at birth. It is something that develops later. There may be hairs inside these pores. Sometimes these can become infected and form a cyst (Pilonidal Cyst). |
Why do only some babies develop this sacral dimple?
Researchers have not yet found a specific cause for this. Some believe it may be genetic . But the exact genes involved are not yet known. Since most of these are harmless, there hasn't been much research into this.
What are the characteristics that a doctor should show?
Your baby's doctor will usually look for this during the prenatal checkup. But as a parent, it's important for you to be aware of this as well. If your baby has any of the following symptoms in their sacral dimple, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Feature to pay attention to | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
| Becoming bigger or deeper | If it looks bigger or deeper than a normal small hole. |
| Change of location | If it is located far away from the waves between the buttocks, above. |
| Having hair | If there is a tuft of hair near or around the hole. |
| Skin tags | If you have small skin tags hanging near your armpits. |
| Skin discoloration | If the surrounding skin has changed color and is blue/black, like a bruise. |
If you notice any of these symptoms, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan to make sure there are no problems with the underlying spine and spinal cord.
What is the treatment for this? What kind of future does the baby have?
Here's the most important thing. Most sacral dimples don't require any treatment. They don't cause any problems. They will remain throughout the baby's life. However, as the baby grows older, they may become less noticeable.
Think of it like some people have a birthmark. It becomes part of that person's identity.
Very rarely, if an underlying problem is found, your doctor will refer your baby to a specialist. They will decide what treatment is needed.
So, if you see a little bump like this on your baby's back, don't panic. It's most likely just a cute little thing that makes your baby even more special.
Take-Home Message
- The sacral dimple is a small depression located on the back of a newborn baby, just above the buttocks.
- Most of the time (more than 95%) this is completely harmless .
- The doctor will check this at the hospital as soon as the baby is born. But as a parent, you should also be aware of this.
- If the pimple is very large, deep, has hair nearby, or has any lumps or changes in skin color, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If there are no risk factors, this does not require any treatment. It is just part of your baby's personality.
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