Differential Diagnosis for Indentation of the Buttock in a Toddler
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Fat necrosis: This is a common condition in toddlers, often resulting from trauma or injury to the subcutaneous fat, leading to necrosis and subsequent indentation.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Traumatic injury: A direct blow to the buttock can cause a hematoma or bruising, leading to an indentation.
- Insect bite or sting: Certain insect bites or stings can cause localized swelling and subsequent necrosis, resulting in an indentation.
- Contact dermatitis: Irritation from diapers or other substances can cause skin reactions, potentially leading to indentations.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Child abuse: It is crucial to consider non-accidental trauma as a cause of the indentation, as it may be a sign of physical abuse.
- Soft tissue tumor: Although rare, a soft tissue tumor such as a lipoma or rhabdomyosarcoma could present as an indentation in the buttock.
- Infection (e.g., abscess or cellulitis): A bacterial or fungal infection can cause localized swelling, redness, and potentially an indentation.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lipedema: A rare condition characterized by an abnormal distribution of fat in the subcutaneous tissue, potentially causing indentations.
- Dercum's disease: A rare condition involving the growth of painful, fatty tumors under the skin, which could potentially cause indentations.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause granulomatous inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, potentially leading to indentations.