Raised limb bands developing in infancy

Heel-line hyperpigmentation: a variant of sock-line hyperpigmentation after the use of heel-length socks

Two infants developed hyperpigmented curvilinear patches on the posterior heel after wearing heel-length socks. Both of the patient's lesions improved after discontinuing the use of the heel-length socks. Hyperpigmented patches called sock-line or mitten-line hyperpigmentation have been reported at sites of tight elastic bands from socks or mittens in infants on the calves and wrists. Recognizing this clinical entity is important to differentiate it from other causes of linear lesions such as child abuse or amniotic band syndrome.

An unusual amniotic rupture sequence with thoracoabdominal restricting band, low-set posterior hairline, and trapezius contracture

Amniotic rupture sequence is associated with defects of variable severity and at different sites. Analysis of the literature reveals difficulties in the classification, which, in addition to uncertainties surrounding its causes, make diagnosis of unusual presentations rather difficult. We present an unusual case of a thoracoabdominal restrictive band from the umbilicus to a low-set posterior hairline with severe trapezius contracture, sternoclavicular dislocation, and no associated craniofacial or limb abnormalities. Amnion rupture sequence with adhesion band seems to be the most probable cause of this rare combination of anomalies.

Mitten-line hyperpigmentation: a reactive process analogous to sock-line hyperpigmentation

A 3-month-old girl presented with a 6-week history of a curvilinear hyperpigmented patch on the left wrist, which began within a day of using a tight mitten. Mitten-line hyperpigmentation is analogous to the recently described condition known as infantile "sock-line hyperpigmentation," or more generally "sock-line bands." Distinguishing this benign condition from child abuse, amniotic band syndrome, and acquired raised bands of infancy is important but sometimes challenging.

The use of a topical antihistamine in the treatment of raised linear bands of infancy

Raised linear bands of infancy is a newly recognized but rarely reported entity whose etiology remains unknown. Some cases have been associated with dermatographism and it has been postulated that the bands may be related to an increase in collagen deposition and fibrosis from increased mast cell mediators. This is the first reported case of raised linear bands responding to treatment with a topical antihistamine.

Persistent linear bands in infancy acquired after local pressure: a consequence of mast cell activation?

A 10-month-old girl with marked symptomatic dermographism presented with linear bands at the sock line noted to have developed following an episode of localized urticaria and angioedema at the sock line. We speculate that release of mast cell mediators associated with the dermographism may have triggered the development of the linear bands.

Acquired raised bands of infancy: association with amniotic bands

Raised limb bands are a recently described disorder characterized by skin-colored linear plaques typically located on the extremities of affected children. Various etiologies for their development have been proposed, including amniotic bands. We report a child with extensive raised bands of the trunk and extremities and documented amniotic bands in utero. We propose altering the name of this entity to reflect the wider potential distribution of the lesions. The presence of documented amniotic bands and other sequelae typical for the amniotic band sequence in this patient strongly implicates amniotic bands or related pathology in the formation of acquired raised bands of infancy.