Bitemporal forceps marks

What it means

Bilateral temporal scarlike defects, which are said to resemble forceps marks.

Congenital, bilateral, scarlike facial lesions have been reported under several titles, such as hereditary symmetric systemic aplastic nevi, congenital ectodermal dysplasia of the face, familial focal facial dermal dysplasia, bitemporal aplasia cutis congenita, and focal facial dermal dysplasia (FFDD). The findings are congenital, bilateral scarlike facial lesions in the preauricular or cheek areas. The lesions may present as slightly depressed hypopigmented scarlike oval plaques measuring about 1 cm and may have a surrounding rim of fine lanugo-like hair. Skin biopsy can reveal an atrophic epidermis with a thinned dermis devoid of adnexal structures. Elastic fibers are absent in the affected areas, as can be shown by Verhoeff-van Giesen staining.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Bitemporal aplasia cutis congenita · Congenital ectodermal dysplasia of the face · Congenital, bilateral, scarlike facial lesions · Focal facial dermal dysplasia · Temporal skin defect