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

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.
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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.
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Last Modified: 2 Sep 2009
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