Cafe au lait spot

Cafe au lait (ka-FAY o lay) spots are flat oval or round patches. They range in color from tan to dark brown. They are permanent and very common. They can occur anywhere on the body, and the size increases as the child grows. Usually, no treatment is needed.

Children may have one or several cafe au lait spots. Having several spots may be a sign of a genetic condition, such as neurofibromatosis. Or it may be a sign of some other serious condition. Talk with a healthcare professional about whether your child needs a medical exam with a doctor who specializes in skin conditions. This type of doctor is a dermatologist.