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Futcher lines in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Futcher lines in Adult

Contributors: Haya Raef MD, Lynn McKinley-Grant MD, Aída Lugo-Somolinos MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Futcher lines, also known as pigmentary demarcation lines or Voigt lines (sometimes spelled Voight lines), are normal, physiologic, sharply demarcated lines that separate darker and lighter regions of the skin. They are particularly common in people with darker skin, found in approximately 50% of Black women and 33% of Black men. Hispanic individuals have the next highest incidence, followed by Asian and occasionally White individuals. The prevalence seems to be directly proportional to the degree of pigmentation. Futcher lines usually appear in early childhood and are often present at birth. There seems to be a slight female predominance.

While the etiology is unknown, several theories have been proposed. Some postulate that the purpose of the more heavily pigmented dorsal skin is increased sun protection, while others believe that the pigmentary demarcation lines correspond to areas of different cutaneous innervation.

Eight types of pigmentary demarcation lines (designated A to H) have been described, distinguished by their anatomic location and orientation.
  • Type A (Futcher lines): A sharply demarcated vertical line located on the anterior portion of the upper arm that may extend onto the pectoral area. This is the most commonly observed type.
  • Type B: A pigmentary demarcation line involving the posterior medial portion of the lower extremities. Type B lines have been reported to be associated with pregnancy.
  • Type C: A vertical line of hypopigmentation in the presternal or parasternal areas with abdominal extension.
  • Type D: Found on the posteromedial area of the spine. This type is the least common, occurring in less than 10% of Black adults.
  • Type E: Well-defined bilateral, hypopigmented macules and patches, most often running from the medial third of the clavicle to the periareolar skin. They are present in approximately 15% of Black adults.
  • Type F: A V-shaped hyperpigmented line running along the malar prominence or temple.
  • Type G: A W-shaped hyperpigmented line running along the malar prominence or temple.
  • Type H: A diagonal line from the oral commissure to the lateral aspect of the chin.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L81.8 – Other specified disorders of pigmentation

SNOMEDCT:
370172004 – Skin pigmentation

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Last Reviewed:01/18/2022
Last Updated:01/19/2022
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Patient Information for Futcher lines in Adult
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Contributors: Safiyya Abdulkadir, Yolanda Lenzy MD
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Futcher lines in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Futcher lines : Face, Linear configuration, Trunk, Hyperpigmentation
Clinical image of Futcher lines - imageId=1482972. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A sharp demarcation line dividing darker and lighter portions of the arm.'
A sharp demarcation line dividing darker and lighter portions of the arm.
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