Vol. 27 - Num. 107
Clinical Reviews
Scattered brown macules: when the context misleads us
Laura Castro Rodrígueza, M.ª del Mar Pestanab, M.ª del Carmen Martín Velac, Julia Mercaderd, Yudith Mesa Fumeroc
aMIR-Pediatría. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. La Laguna. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. España.
bDermatóloga. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. La Laguna. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. España.
cPediatra. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. La Laguna. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. España.
dMIR-Dermatología. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. La Laguna. Santa Cruz de Tenerife. España.
Correspondence: L Castro. E-mail: lcasrodq@gobiernodecanarias.org
Reference of this article: Castro Rodríguez L, Pestana MM, Martín Vela MC, Mercader J, Mesa Fumero Y. Scattered brown macules: when the context misleads us . Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2025;27:269-72. https://doi.org/10.60147/5be40437
Published in Internet: 03-09-2025 - Visits: 2049
Abstract
Ashy dermatosis is a rare idiopathic hyperpigmentation disorder, mainly affecting young adults and children with darker phototypes. Its etiology remains unclear, with possible links to infections, endocrine disorders and environmental exposures. Clinically, it presents as ill-defined grayish macules, usually with an asymptomatic and chronic course. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, as the histological findings are nonspecific. Although there are possible treatments, they are often ineffective, but pediatric cases tend to resolve spontaneously. Recognizing this entity helps avoid invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Keywords
● Ashy dermatosis ● Hyperpigmentation ● Pediatric dermatology