Abstract:

Objective Acquired facial hyperpigmented macules (AFHM) in children are localized to the face, affecting aesthetics and often causing concern and anxiety among parents. However, due to insufficient clinical awareness, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are not uncommon. This study aims to summarize the clinical and dermoscopic features of AFHM to improve clinicians' understanding of this condition. Methods A retrospective study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 54 pediatric patients diagnosed with AFHM at the Dermatology Department of Hospital between November 2021 and June 2023. The clinical manifestations, including patient demographics, rash characteristics, and dermoscopic findings, were summarized and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The male-to-female ratio was 1.7∶1, with a median onset age of 8 months (IQR: 5-10). Among the 33 patients who completed at least 2 years of follow-up, 90.91% (30 cases) experienced complete resolution of the lesions, with a mean resolution age of 3.17±0.75 years. The rashes predominantly affected the forehead (90.74%), temples (70.37%), and eyebrows (53.70%), with 74.07% of cases involving 2-3 sites. The number of lesions was mostly 10-20 (53.70%), with the long axis typically measuring 2-10 mm (70.37%). Bilateral distribution was observed in 92.59% of cases, and 61.11% had onset in autumn. Dermoscopy revealed brownish-red pseudo-reticular pigmented macules with telangiectasia in 88.89% of patients. Conclusion AFHM is a benign, self-limiting dermatosis in infants and young children, with distinctive clinical and dermoscopic features. For most cases, skin biopsy is not a necessary diagnostic step.

Key words: hyperpigmented macules, telangiectasia, facial, dermoscopy, child