Café au lait macules

Café au lait macules are flat light-tan marks that usually appear before a child is 1 year old. See here for a photo of a café au lait macule.

Small, solitary café au lait macules are common birthmarks; reassurance of parents or carers is usually sufficient. Laser treatment is an option if the marks are cosmetically concerning. If treatment is desired, refer to a dermatologist for advice. Approximately 50% of lesions respond to laser therapy. Maintenance treatments may be needed.

Larger or multiple café au lait macules can be associated with other conditions (eg neurofibromatosis type 1, McCune Albright syndrome1). Consider referring infants who have large or multiple café au lait macules to a paediatric dermatologist for assessment.

Figure 1. Café au lait macule

Note: Photo sourced with permission from Dr Susan Robertson.
1 For information on McCune Albright syndrome, see the US National Library of Medicine Medline Plus website.Return