Volar Melanotic Macules

Abstract

Asymptomatic light brown or tannish-gray macules are seen on palms and/or soles of black patients, and occsionally on the volar surfaces of whites. They may be mistaken for lesions of secondary syphilis or other postinflammatory hyperpigmented dermatoses. Histologic examination of 14 specimens obtained at necropsy showed purely epidermal hyperpigmentation of all epidermal layers; or β) melanin restricted to large dendritic melanocytes without appreciable transfer to keratinocytes. The number of melanocytes was not significantly increased, and with one exception, there were no nevus cells. These volar melanotic macules have close clinical and histologic resemblance to melanotic macules observed occasionally on the vermillion area of the lips.