A chronic skin disorder characterized by one or more groups of poorly marginated, pale pink or tan/white patches and plaques that appear on the cheeks, neck and lateral arms of children and young adults

• System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
• Genetics: Unknown, but is primarily seen in children with a genetic predisposition to atopic disease
• Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Common, exact incidence unknown. Common, especially in dark-skin individuals in sunnier climates
• Predominant age: 90% are between ages 6-12. Rare after 25.
• Predominant sex: Male = Female

• Description - small, ill-defined pale pink or tan/white patches 1/2 to 3 cm size
• Location - cheeks and lateral arms
• Number - 1-12 or more patches
• Palpation - smooth or slightly rough, and dry
• Appearance - pinpoint white papules (representing accentuation and keratinization of follicular orifices)
• Scale is either invisible or fine and light
• More common in dark skinned individuals
• Usually asymptomatic
• Pruritic (rare)
• More apparent in summertime in light skinned individuals
• Lesions do not tan in summer
• Even a small amount of sunlight exposure causes lesions to redden

• Unknown. Maybe part of an atopic diathesis.
• Possibly defects in melanin production or transfer