Blaschko's lines
Encyclopedia
Blaschko's lines, also called the Lines of Blaschko, are skin
lines invisible under normal conditions. They become apparent when some diseases of the skin or mucosa manifest themselves according to these patterns. They follow a "V" shape over the back, "S" shaped whorls over the chest, stomach, and sides, and wavy shapes on the head.
The lines are believed to trace the migration of embryonic cells. The stripes are a type of genetic mosaicism. They do not correspond to nervous
, muscular
, or lymphatic system
s. The lines can be observed in other animals such as cats and dogs.
German
dermatologist
Alfred Blaschko
is credited for the first demonstration of these lines in 1901.
, congenital and acquired (i.e. non-genetic) conditions. Examples include:
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
lines invisible under normal conditions. They become apparent when some diseases of the skin or mucosa manifest themselves according to these patterns. They follow a "V" shape over the back, "S" shaped whorls over the chest, stomach, and sides, and wavy shapes on the head.
The lines are believed to trace the migration of embryonic cells. The stripes are a type of genetic mosaicism. They do not correspond to nervous
Nervous system
The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous...
, muscular
Muscular system
The muscular system is the anatomical system of a species that allows it to move. The muscular system in vertebrates is controlled through the nervous system, although some muscles can be completely autonomous.- Muscles :...
, or lymphatic system
Lymphatic system
The lymphoid system is the part of the immune system comprising a network of conduits called lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph unidirectionally toward the heart. Lymphoid tissue is found in many organs, particularly the lymph nodes, and in the lymphoid follicles associated...
s. The lines can be observed in other animals such as cats and dogs.
German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
dermatologist
Dermatology
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases, a unique specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist takes care of diseases, in the widest sense, and some cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails....
Alfred Blaschko
Alfred Blaschko
Alfred Blaschko was a German dermatologist who was a native of Freienwalde an die Oder. In 1881 he earned his medical doctorate at Berlin, and afterwards worked with Georg Wegner in Stettin...
is credited for the first demonstration of these lines in 1901.
Conditions distributed along Blaschko's lines
The skin lesions that follow the Blaschko's lines are varied. They include geneticGenetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
, congenital and acquired (i.e. non-genetic) conditions. Examples include:
- Pigmentary disorders
- Naevus achromicus (including hypomelanosis of Ito)
- Epidermal NaevusNevusNevus is the medical term for sharply-circumscribed and chronic lesions of the skin. These lesions are commonly named birthmarks and moles. Nevi are benign by definition...
- Nevus sebaceousNevus sebaceousNevus sebaceous is a congenital, hairless plaque that typically occurs on the face or scalp. Such nevi are present at birth, affecting males and females of all races equally...
- Inflammatory linear verrucous naevus
- Nevus sebaceous
- X-linked geneticGeneticsGenetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
skin disorder- Incontinentia pigmentiIncontinentia pigmentiIncontinentia Pigmenti is a genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth, nails, and central nervous system...
- CHILD syndromeCHILD syndromeCongenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects is a genetic disorder with onset at birth seen almost exclusively in females...
- Incontinentia pigmenti
- Acquired inflammatory skin rashes
- Lichen striatusLichen striatusLichen striatus is a rare skin condition that is seen primarily in children, most frequently appearing ages 5-15....
- lichen planusLichen planusLichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease that affects the skin, tongue, and oral mucosa. The disease presents itself in the form of papules, lesions, or rashes. Lichen planus does not involve lichens, the fungus/algae symbionts that often grow on tree trunks; the name refers to the dry and...
- lupus erythematosusLupus erythematosusLupus erythematosus is a category for a collection of diseases with similar underlying problems with immunity . Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs...
- Lichen striatus
- Chimerism
