Patients may develop irritant or allergic contact dermatitis to a variety of topical creams, lotions, and medications. When these are discontinued and the area recovers from the contact dermatitis, an area of postinflammatory hypopigmentation may occur. The legs and trunk are less commonly involved. Lesions vary in size, usually 1-4 cm in diameter. Most commonly, patients have multiple lesions that range in number from 4 or 5 to 20 or more.
Scales are fine and adherent.
In approximately one-half of all patients, the lesions are limited to the face. In children, the lesions are often confined to the face. The areas around the mouth, chin, and cheeks are the most commonly affected. Less commonly, the face is spared and there are scattered lesions on the trunk and limbs. Rarely, the disease may be quite extensive.