Ashy dermatosis in childhood

Abstract

Ashy dermatosis is a relatively infrequent disease of unknown etiology characterized by grayish spots of varying shades mainly located on the face, trunk and arms. This pigmentary dermatosis is rare in childhood. Despite its benign character, on occasion it poses a diagnostic challenge due to its similarity to other skin disorders of childhood. Reports about this disease in patients aged under 18 years are not available in Cuba. A case is presented of a female 9-year-old patient examined at the Pediatric Dermatology service in the province of Villa Clara for presenting several bluish-gray hyperpigmented spots on her face, trunk and limbs, asymptomatic at physical examination and of two months' evolution. It was decided to take a sample for biopsy, confirming the diagnosis of ashy dermatosis. The case is presented due to the low frequency of this diagnosis in our environment and the challenge it poses to dermatologists.