Ripple pigmentation of the neck in atopic dermatitis

Ripple pigmentary lesions of the neck were observed in 12 patients with atopic dermatitis. Biopsy specimens from three cases revealed no amyloid substances. From the review of cases with either atopic dermatitis or ripple pigmentation seen in our hospital, it was concluded that ripple pigmentation of the neck was always associated with atopic dermatitis and appeared in 1.7% of all 751 patients with atopic dermatitis. It is suggested that ripple pigmentation is not necessarily specific or diagnostic of amyloidosis, as is generally believed. Possible relationships involving ripple pigmentation, atopic dermatitis, and macular amyloidosis are also discussed.