Bier spots
Bier spots
Bier spots (pronunciation: /bɪər spɒts/) are small, irregular, hypopigmented macules that appear on the skin, particularly on the arms and legs. They are named after the German surgeon August Bier, who first described them in 1898.
Etymology
The term "Bier spots" is derived from the name of August Bier, a German surgeon who first described this condition in the late 19th century. The word "spots" refers to the characteristic appearance of these lesions on the skin.
Description
Bier spots are small, white or light-colored spots that appear on the skin. They are most commonly found on the arms and legs, but can appear anywhere on the body. The spots are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and are often irregular in shape. They may appear alone or in clusters.
Causes
The exact cause of Bier spots is unknown, but they are thought to be related to changes in blood flow or the function of the blood vessels in the skin. They are often associated with conditions that affect the circulatory system, such as orthostatic hypotension, anemia, and varicose veins. However, they can also appear in healthy individuals without any underlying medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Bier spots are usually diagnosed based on their characteristic appearance. A doctor may also use a dermatoscope to examine the spots more closely. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Bier spots, as they are generally harmless and do not cause any symptoms. However, if they are associated with an underlying medical condition, treating that condition may help to reduce the appearance of the spots.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bier spots
- Wikipedia's article - Bier spots
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