The Miniature Macula-Ephelis

Abstract

An ephelis is a miniature, benign, brown or tan cutaneous blemish which appears upon sun exposed surfaces. Genetic composition and cutaneous subtype of incriminated individual directs the emergence of ephelis. Generally spherical, ephelis demonstrates a localized area of hyperpigmentation contingent to magnitude of sun exposure. Superimposed stratified squamous epithelium exhibits hyperpigmentation of basal keratinocytes and elongation of rete ridges whereas quantifiable melanocytes remain unaltered. Ephelis requires segregation from conditions such as café-au-lait macules, junctional nevus, solar lentigo, melano-acanthoma, melanosis, moles, sun spots, liver spots and malignant epithelial neoplasms. The innocuous ephelis does not require treatment although protection from sun exposure is recommended.