Quantcast This image displays a newborn with a brown, flat area of pigment near the knee typical of café au lait macules. This image displays large, flat areas of color change typical of café au lait macules. This image displays a café au lait macule, a flat area of pigment that is usually not associated with other problems. This café au lait mark appears as a light brown, flat area.
Advertisement
Top Background Graphic
Contact Us | Newsletter Sign-up
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Café au Lait Macule:
A parent's guide for infants and babies

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Café au Lait Macule: This image displays a newborn with a brown, flat area of pigment near the knee typical of café au lait macules. Divider line
This image displays a newborn with a brown, flat area of pigment near the knee typical of café au lait macules.
left arrow
right arrow
Overview
A café au lait macule (CALM) is a well-defined, flat area that is darker in color than the rest of the skin (hyperpigmented). The term refers to the characteristic even (homogeneous) color of "coffee with milk," which may be light to dark brown.
  • Café au lait macules usually appear first in early childhood, although they may be present at birth. They may be single or multiple, and they increase in size as the person gets older.
  • Café au lait macules can be indicators of more extensive (multisystem) disease, particularly neurofibromatosis, a condition that is also marked by freckles in the armpit and groin regions, as well as neurofibromas.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008

Next: Who's At Risk

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Advertise With Us | About Us | Site Map | Disclaimer | Link to Us

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.