Café au lait macules

Café au lait macules are flat light to dark brown patches that appear in childhood and remain stable throughout life. They are benign and usually solitary, although multiple patches may be associated with certain genetic conditions.

Features

• Flat, evenly pigmented patches
• Light to dark brown colour
• Sharp but smooth borders
• Common on trunk, limbs and face

Laser treatment

Pigment lasers may lighten café au lait macules in some individuals, although outcomes vary depending on the depth and density of pigmentation.

• Multiple sessions often required
• Results may be partial
• Most effective in selected cases after specialist assessment

If you would like advice on laser treatment for a café au lait macule, please get in touch via the contact page.