Nevus

Do you recognize this distinct pigment line?

DAVID L. KAPLAN, MD—Series Editor
University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas 

David L. Kaplan, Md––Series Editor: Dr Kaplan is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He practices adult and pediatric dermatology in Overland Park, Kan. 
 

Dermclinic
A Photo Quiz to Hone Dermatologic Skills 

Volume 53 - Issue 1 - January 2013

voigt's linesA 54-year-old woman is bothered by a long-standing, distinct pigment line on the anterior of both upper arms. She states that the demarcation is accentuated by sun exposure.

Do you recognize this pattern?

A. Nevus anemicus.

B. Voigt’s, or Futcher’s, lines.

C. Becker’s melanosis.

D. Melasma.

(Answer on next page.)

voigt's linesANSWER—Case 1: Voigt’s, or Futcher’s, lines

These are Voigt’s, or Futcher’s, lines, B—benign pigmentary demarcation lines that are more prominent in darker complected persons and arise primarily on the upper, anterior arms. These lines may be congenital or develop in childhood; they darken as the person ages. No treatment is necessary.

Nevus anemicus is a solitary, well-demarcated, irregularly bordered area of vasoconstricted skin that appears to be hypopigmented. Becker’s melanosis often develops after puberty as a solitary, well-circumscribed area of increased pigmentation and frequently is associated with hirsutism. Melasma is a symmetrical macular hyperpigmentation typically seen on the face and, rarely, the forearms of women of childbearing age.