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Heel-line hyperpigmentation: a variant of sock-line hyperpigmentation after the use of heel-length socks
Heather Ciliberto1, David Berk, Pankaj Salphale
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Insights
Infants can develop temporary hyperpigmented patches on their heels from wearing tight socks. These sock-line hyperpigmentation marks fade after removing the constrictive footwear, distinguishing them from serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Infantile skin is sensitive to external pressures.
- Linear hyperpigmentation can occur in infants due to various causes.
Observation:
- Two infants presented with curvilinear hyperpigmented patches on their posterior heels.
- The lesions appeared after wearing heel-length socks with elastic bands.
Findings:
- The hyperpigmented patches resolved after discontinuing the use of the socks.
- This condition is termed sock-line hyperpigmentation, a known entity in infants.
Implications:
- It is crucial to recognize sock-line hyperpigmentation to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Differentiating this benign condition from child abuse or amniotic band syndrome is essential for appropriate infant care.
Abstract:
Two infants developed hyperpigmented curvilinear patches on the posterior heel after wearing heel-length socks. Both of the patient's lesions improved after discontinuing the use of the heel-length socks. Hyperpigmented patches called sock-line or mitten-line hyperpigmentation have been reported at sites of tight elastic bands from socks or mittens in infants on the calves and wrists. Recognizing this clinical entity is important to differentiate it from other causes of linear lesions such as child abuse or amniotic band syndrome.
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