Talon Noir in a Young Baseball Player: A Case Report

• Published in: Journal of pediatric health care Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 235 - 238
• Main Authors: Martin, Serena B., Lucas, Judith K., Posa, Molly, Howell, Diane M., Kelly, Maria N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2021
• Subjects: acral melanoma; black heel; calcaneal petechiae; Nursing; Talon noir; verruca with thrombosis; Talon noir; acral melanoma; black heel; verruca with thrombosis; calcaneal petechiae
• ISSN: 0891-5245; 1532-656X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.10.009

•Talon noir is an asymptomatic pigmented macule formed by hemorrhages of the feet.•Talon noir most commonly occurs in young athletes.•Dermoscopy, paring, and deep shave biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of talon noir.•Spontaneous resolution of talon noir typically occurs within 2–3 weeks.•Clinicians should ensure that patient athletes have appropriately fitting shoes. When evaluating pediatric patients with hyperpigmented lesions on the plantar aspect of the feet, the differential diagnosis should include talon noir, acral melanoma, and verruca with thrombosis. Talon noir are asymptomatic brown-black pigmented macules formed by intraepidermal hemorrhages of the feet caused by shear-force injury. Spontaneous resolution of talon noir typically occurs within 2–3 weeks. Clinicians should ensure that their patients who participate in sports have appropriately fitting shoes, which may prevent these lesions from occurring. This case report highlights a unique case of talon noir occurring in a young baseball player with an atypical distribution of plantar macules.