Main menu
Common skin conditions
NEWS
Join DermNet PRO
Read more
Quick links
Brown skin colour is most often due to melanin, a protein produced in the epidermis by melanocytes. Various dermopathies have characteristic patterns of pigmentation.
For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
Name this/these brown-coloured skin patch/es.
Poikiloderma of Civatte
Describe the condition
The term poikiloderma refers to the combination of atrophy, telangiectasia, and pigmentary changes (both hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation). Poikiloderma resulting in reticulate reddish brown discolouration of the sides of the neck is called poikiloderma of Civatte – the colour is due to inflammation associated with pigment incontinence. Poikiloderma of Civatte is common in middle-aged fair-skinned females and is most likely due to chronic sun exposure; it spares the shaded areas.