Histiocytic proliferation of the skin can be categorised into Langerhan and non-Langerhan types.
Benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) is a rare cutaneous non-Langerhan histiocytosis typically
affecting infants and young children. We report a case of benign cephalic histiocytosis in a boy who, at
seven months of age, presented with multiple yellowish papular eruptions on his face. Over the course
of 18 months, the lesion spread to his trunk and upper extremities, sparing the mucous membranes,
palms and soles. There was no systemic involvement identified. A histopathologic examination of
the skin lesion showed diffuse infiltration of histiocytes within the superficial dermis intermingled
with scattered eosinophils and small lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the
histiocytes were diffusely positive for CD68. Langerhan markers CD1a and S100 were negative. The
correct distinction between BCH and other histiocytic proliferations of the skin is important because
BCH has a self-limiting clinical course with a tendency of spontaneous remission.