Manifestation of the lines of Blaschko in women heterozygous for X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

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Abstract
For the detection of the carrier state of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, sweat pore counts on fingertips or palms have been used in the past. The results obtained, however, were sometimes difficult to interpret. We here describe a more reliable method, using the entire back as a test area. We provide evidence that the distribution of sweat pores in carriers is not simply patchy. In four heterozygous women we were able to demonstrate a linear distribution of hypohidrotic areas. This pattern followed the lines of Blaschko, forming a typical V‐shape over the spine. Apparently, these lines reflect the dorsoventral outgrowth of two functionally different populations of cells during early embryogenesis.