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.
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