Sock-Line Hyperpigmentation: Case Series and Literature Review

Disorders of pigmentation

“…751,752 This condition must be distinguished from macular amyloidosis, which clinically it resembles. 755,756 It has also been likened to amniotic bands of infancy. In some countries the use of a scrub pad (loofah) has been implicated.…”

Bilateral linear red lines on the calves in an infant

“…The exact cause of sock‐line bands is unknown but is felt to represent preceding trauma from tight clothing, primarily socks or tights. Histopathology of these eruptions is nonspecific but shows dermal inflammation, melanocytic hyperplasia, and basal layer hyperpigmentation, likely post‐inflammatory in nature …”

Image Gallery: Heel‐line band of infancy: postinflammatory skin change associated with tight socks

“…After 2 weeks without sock use, the lesion faded to brown hyperpigmentation (b), and it completely resolved during a 3‐month follow‐up period. Heel‐ or sock‐line bands represent a rare skin condition characterized by linear, unilateral or bilateral, circumferential lesions developed in an infant after wearing tight garments . Dermal inflammation or panniculitis related to local pressure and the vulnerability of infantile skin may lead to postinflammatory changes.…”

“…Dermal inflammation or panniculitis related to local pressure and the vulnerability of infantile skin may lead to postinflammatory changes. This benign condition typically resolves within a few months and does not require further treatment …”