Acquired dermal melanocytosis in an African-American: A case report

We report an unusual case of acquired dermal melanocytosis occurring in a 5 7-year-old African-American woman. Macular pigmentation over the patient's cheeks, back, and sclerae developed over the course of 18 months without id entifiable antecedent. The patient was taking only hormone replacement ther apy and was generally healthy. Histologic examination of the skin revealed dendritic melanocytes and melanophages in the mid- to upper dermis. We brie fly review the literature surrounding acquired dermal melanocytosis and con tinue discussion regarding its pathogenesis.