• B P Khoo and Y K Tay.
• National Skin Centre, Singapore.
• Singap Med J. 1999 Nov 1; 40 (11): 697-9.

Aim Of StudyBenign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) is a rare, benign, self-healing papular eruption that affects mainly children. The aim of this study was to characterise our Singapore children affected by this condition and to review some of the recent literature on non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses.MethodologyThe case records of all cases of BCH seen between January 1990 and December 1996 in our centre were retrieved and analysed. Further details not available in the case records were obtained via a telephone interview with the patients or their parents.ResultsA total of 8 cases were seen. There was no sex preponderance or ethnic predilection. The average age of onset was 29 months. All patients began with small brownish papules on the face and sometimes the upper trunk, and most of the lesions regressed in less than 84 months.ConclusionBCH is a benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in which spontaneous resolution is the rule. A small skin punch biopsy is simple, diagnostic and helpful in its management. The management of BCE is expectant and reassurance is sufficient. However the regression and resolution of the lesions may take up to several years.

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