Bier spots

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Disease Overview

Bier spots are a benign vascular anomaly characterized by white spots on the skin surrounded by a pale halo of erythema (redness). They are more common on the arms, the legs and the trunk. They are better observed when a tourniquet is placed around the affected arm or leg, and become less obvious when raising it.[11629][11630] The spots are thought to be due to raised pressure constricting small veins (venous hypertension) and in most cases no cause is found (idiopathic).[11629] Bier spots usually affect healthy people, and may appear during pregnancy. But sometimes, they are part of a systemic disease such as cryoglobulinaemia, polycythaemia, scleroderma, aortic hypoplasia and coarctation, alopecia areata, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, lichen planus, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), lymphedema and excessive sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis).[11629][11630] They are usually, self-limiting and except for counseling, require no treatment.[11630][11631]


Synonyms

  • Physiologic anaemic macules
  • Angiospastic macules
  • Exaggerated physiologic speckled mottling of skin

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National Organization for Rare Disorders