Talon noir in Adult
Synopsis
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Talon noir tends to affect the posterior foot, the heel, the lateral foot, and the palm. Athletic events often produce lateral shearing forces that cause tearing of blood vessels in the papillary dermis. This creates punctate papillary dermal hemorrhages, leading to extravasation of blood into the epidermis and intracorneal retention of hemoglobin. Because of its location in the stratum corneum, it cannot be cleared by phagocytic cells.
Basketball, lacrosse, football, soccer, and cross-country running are frequent causes of talon noir.
The condition is asymptomatic, and because it is painless, the etiological events are often unrecognized. Because of the discoloration and generally rapid acquisition, patients may be concerned that they have an acral melanoma.
Codes
S90.30XA – Contusion of unspecified foot, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
21143006 – Calcaneal petechiae
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Last Updated:09/03/2020
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