Hyperpigmentary Disorders in Children

• Pigmentary disorders are frequent in children and can result in significant psychosocial problems. Hyperpigmentary disorders can be classified into melanocytes problems (epidermal, dermal) and neurocutaneous disorders presenting with pigmentation problems.
• Giant congenital nevus carries a low risk of malignant transformation (melanoma) but it is important to exclude cutaneous neuromelanosis in high risk patients.
• Malignant lentiginosis can be associated with other systemic abnormalities.
• Mongoloid Spots can be found in many Asian (African, Arabic) babies. These lesions are completely benign and are commonly found in normal people. They have a tendency to fade and disappear with age.
• Cafe-au-Lait Spots are light-brownish macules which can be found in normal individuals. However, it is important to know than syndromes can be associated.

Contributors:

Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

Source of Information: Chiam LYT. Pigmentary Disorders in Children. NSC Dermatology Update 2012, Singapore