Overview
Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I (FFDD type I), also known as Brauer syndrome or hereditary symmetrical aplastic nevi of temples, is a rare inherited skin condition that mainly affects the skin on the face, particularly around the temples (the sides of the forehead). The most noticeable feature is small, scar-like or pitted areas of skin on both sides of the face near the temples. These marks are present from birth and look similar to scars left by forceps during delivery, which is why they are sometimes called 'forceps marks.' The skin in these areas is thinner than normal and may appear slightly sunken or dimpled. The condition is caused by a problem in the development of the skin during fetal growth. Unlike many other skin conditions, FFDD type I is generally limited to these facial skin changes and does not typically affect internal organs or cause serious health problems. The marks are permanent but do not usually get worse over time. Some people may also have very mild changes to nearby facial structures, but the condition is mostly cosmetic in nature. There is no cure for FFDD type I, and treatment focuses on managing the appearance of the skin lesions. Options may include cosmetic camouflage, dermatological procedures, or simply monitoring the areas over time. Because the condition is so rare, most people benefit from seeing a dermatologist and a clinical geneticist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss options.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Small scar-like or pitted marks on the skin near the temples (sides of the forehead)Skin marks present on both sides of the face (symmetrical)Thinning of the skin in affected areasSlightly sunken or dimpled appearance of the skin at the templesMarks that look similar to forceps scars from birthPermanent skin changes that do not typically worsen over time
Clinical phenotype terms (17)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my diagnosis of FFDD type I confirmed, and what tests were used to reach this conclusion?,Should I have genetic testing, and what does this mean for my family members or future children?,What cosmetic or dermatological treatments are available to improve the appearance of the skin marks?,Are there any complications I should watch for over time?,Where can I find a specialist with experience in this condition?,Are there any patient support groups or communities for people with FFDD type I or similar conditions?,What should I tell my child's school or other caregivers about this condition?
Common questions about Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I
What is Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I?
Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I (FFDD type I), also known as Brauer syndrome or hereditary symmetrical aplastic nevi of temples, is a rare inherited skin condition that mainly affects the skin on the face, particularly around the temples (the sides of the forehead). The most noticeable feature is small, scar-like or pitted areas of skin on both sides of the face near the temples. These marks are present from birth and look similar to scars left by forceps during delivery, which is why they are sometimes called 'forceps marks.' The skin in these areas is thinner than normal and may appear
How is Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I inherited?
Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I typically begin?
Typical onset of Focal facial dermal dysplasia type I is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.