IDOJ_1_12R4_RA

Review Article

Eponymous signs in dermatology

Bhushan Madke, Chitra Nayak

Department of Skin ABSTRACT

and  VD, Topiwala
National Medical College Clinical signs reflect the sheer and close observatory quality of an astute physician. Many new dermatological
and BYL Charitable signs both in clinical and diagnostic aspects of various dermatoses are being reported and no single book on
Hospital, Mumbai, India dermatology literature gives a comprehensive list of these “signs” and postgraduate students in dermatology
finds it difficult to have access to the description, as most of these resident doctor do not have access to the said
journal articles. “Signs” commonly found in dermatologic literature with a brief discussion and explanation is
reviewed in this paper.

Key words: Signs, dermatology, clinical, histology

INTRODUCTION by applying finger pressure to small, intact,

and tense bulla in patients with pemphigus and
Eyes see what the mind knows bullous pemphigoid.[6] In the traditional bulla
The word “sign” refers to important physical finding spread sign, pressure is applied to the blister
or observation made by the physician when from one side, whereas in eliciting Asboe-Hansen
examining the patient. Dermatologic diagnosis sign pressure is applied at the center of the blister
relies on the careful observation and documentation and perpendicular to the surface due to smaller
of signs, which can be highly pathognomonic for a size of the lesion.
certain conditions. Most of the signs appear either
de novo or have to be elicited by the physician. Auspitz sign
Until date, there are only two papers describing It is a celebrated sign of dermatology named after
Access this article online the signs observed in dermatologic disorders.[1,2] Heinrich Auspitz, described in psoriasis, where
Website: www.idoj.in We have reviewed these papers and updated there is pinpoint bleeding on removal of scales
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.101810 the newly described signs in the present paper. from the lesions of psoriasis. The test by which
Quick Response Code: We have also incorporated the signs recently by Auspitz sign is elicited is called as Grattage test.
Indian workers in the field of dermatology. The Other dermatoses where Auspitz sign can be
historical and pathophysiological aspects of the positive is Darier’s disease and actinic keratosis. [7]
“signs” mentioned in this review paper are beyond
the scope. Barnett’s sign (scleroderma neck sign)
It is ridging and tightening of the skin of the neck on
Albright’s dimple sign extending the head with a visible and palpable tight
This is seen in Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy band over platysma in the hyperextended neck.[8,9]
Address for
correspondence: in which there is presence of a dimple over the
Prof. Chitra Nayak, knuckle of the typically affected fourth metacarpal Branham’s sign (Nicoladoni sign)
Department of Skin and and can be enhanced by clenching of the fist.[3,4] It is to be elicited in cases of arterio-venous
VD, OPD 14, Second fistula where there is slowing of the heart rate in
floor, OPD building,
Antenna sign response to (manual) compression.[10]
Nair Hospital and
It is seen in keratosis pilaris in which individual
T.N. Medical College,
Dr. A.L Nair Road, follicles show a long strand of keratin glinting “Breakfast, lunch, and dinner” sign
Mumbai Central, when examined in tangentially incident light.[5] The bites of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) usually
Mumbai - 400 008, follow a linear pathway in a group of three to five
India. Asboe-Hansen sign (Blister spread sign) blood meals and are often referred to as “Breakfast,
E-mail: chitra212@ Gustav Asboe Hansen first described it in 1960, lunch, and dinner” or “Breakfast, lunch, and supper”
hotmail.com
when he demonstrated enlargement of bulla sign.[11]
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 Madke and Nayak: Signs in dermatology

Buschke-Ollendorff sign generalized erythrodermic plaques without the involvement of

This is a sign to be elicited in case of secondary syphilis and abdominal skin folds.[20]
cutaneous vasculitis, where there is deep dermal tenderness
on pressing the lesion (e.g., papular lesions of syphilis) with Darier‘s sign
a pinhead.[12] Rubbing a lesion of mastocytoma causes urtication, flare,
swelling and sometimes blister formation due to release of
Butterfly sign histamine. In contrast, pseudo-Darer’s sign is seen in smooth
This refers to sparing of the mid scapular region in patients muscle hamartoma where there is increase in induration and
having prurigo nodularis with neurodermatitis as they are piloerection after firm stroking.[21] Other conditions where one
unable to reach the region for scratching.[13] could find positive Darier’s sign are leukemia cutis, juvenile
xanthogranuloma, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Buttonhole sign
In type 1 neurofibromatosis (Von-Recklinghausen’s disease), Dimple sign (Fitzpatrick sign)
neurofibromas can be invaginated with the tip of index finger Squeezing the skin adjacent to a dermatofibroma causes a
back into the subcutis and again reappear after release of dimpled appearance on its surface, also termed a positive
pressure.[14] Other condition where one can find positive “pinch sign” or “dimple sign,”[22]
buttonhole sign are anetoderma and dermatofibroma.
Dory-flop sign
Carpet tack sign (Tin tack sign, Cat tongue sign) It is described in relation to syphilitic chancre on the coronal
When the adherent scale is removed from the lesions of discoid border of the prepucial skin in an uncircumscribed male,
lupus erythematosus, the undersurface of the scale shows whereupon on retracting the foreskin the entire ulcer flips out
horny plugs that have occupied patulous hair follicles. This all at once because it is too hard to bend due to underlying
sign is also seen in seborrheic dermatitis.[7] button like induration.[23]

Chagas–Mazza–Romaña’s sign Flag sign

In about eighty percent of cases of Chagas’ disease (American (i) The presence of sharply demarcated alternating bands
trypanosomiasis), conjunctiva is the portal of entry for of normally pigmented and hypopigmented zone of hair
Trypanosoma Cruzi. Unilateral swelling of eyelids and orbit indicating episodes of normal nutrition and intermittent
after conjunctival inoculation is called as eye-sign or Chagas– malnutrition respectively, seen in kwashiorkor- or
Mazza–Romaña’s sign or Romaña’s sign.[15] marasmus-type malnutrition.[24]
(ii) It is a histopathological sign described in actinic keratosis, in
Coral bead sign which the basal layer is more basophilic than normal owing
Papules seen around the nail fold in multicentric to crowding of atypical keratinocytes. Hyperkeratosis and
reticulohistiocytosis are called as coral bead sign.[16] parakerotosis are present, the latter overlying the abnormal
cells in the epidermis. Owing to sparing of the epithelium
Coudability sign of acrosyringia and acrotrichia, orthokeratosis appears at
It was first described by Shuster in cases of alopecia areata in the ostea of these structures, giving rise to a characteristic
1984. Coudability sign is normal-looking hairs tapered at the pattern of alternating ortho- and parakeratosis, often
proximal end in the perilesional hair-bearing scalp and can referred to as the “flag” sign.[25]
easily be made to kink when bent or pushed inward.[17]
Forscheimer’s sign
Crowe’s sign Seen in 20% of rubella patients, where there is an enanthem
Axillary freckling seen in type I neurofibromatosis is known as of dull-red macules or petechiae confined to the soft palate
Crowe’s sign.[18] (See also Patrick Yesudian sign) during the prodromal period or on the first day of the rash.[26]
Can also be seen in infectious mononucleosis.
Cullen’s sign
Periumbilical ecchymosis in cases of acute hemorrhagic Frank’s sign
pancreatitis and ruptured ectopic pregnancy is termed Cullen’s Diagonal crease in the earlobes of adults has been associated
sign. Similar changes in the flank is called as Grey-Turner sign.[19] with an increased risk for atherosclerotic heart disease.[27]

Deck-chair sign Friar tuck sign

It was classically described in Papulo-erythroderma of Friar tuck was a companion of Robin Hood in the legendary
Ofuji, wherein there is flat-topped red papules that become stories who had alopecia of the vertex with sparing of occipital

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 Madke and Nayak: Signs in dermatology

region. This is described in relation to trichotillomania, where Hanging curtain sign

patient plucks his own hair either in a wave like pattern across It is seen in patients with pityriasis rosea. When the skin is
the scalp or centrifugally from a single starting point. Hairs over stretched across the long axis of the herald patch, the scale is
the occipital area are mostly spared in trichotillomania and is noted to be finer, lighter, and attached at one end, which tends
referred as Friar Tuck sign.[28] to fold across the line of stretch.[37]

Gorlin’s sign Hertoghe’s sign (Queen Anne’s sign)

It is the ability of patients of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to touch It is defined as loss of lateral one third of eye-brows (superciliary
the tip of the nose with the tip of their tongue.[29] madarosis). It is seen in leprosy, myxedema, follicular
mucinosis, atopic dermatitis, trichotillomania, ectodermal
Gottron’s sign dysplasia, discoid lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata,
It is a characteristic finding in dermatomyositis typified by syphilis, ulerythema ophryogenes, systemic sclerosis, HIV
scaly erythematous eruption seen on the dorsa of hands, infection, and hypothyroidism.[38]
metacarpophalangeal joints, and proximal interphalangeal
joints.[30] Higoumenaki’s sign
It refers enlargement of the sternal end of the (right) clavicle,
Groove sign frequently observed in patients with late congenital syphilis.[39]
It is classically described in eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman’s
syndrome) where there is linear groove or indentation along the Holster sign of dermatomyositis
superficial veins of the medial aspect of the upper extremity.[31] Literally, holster means an extra pocket made from various
materials to hold something where it can quickly be taken out for
Another Groove sign has been described in relation to use (e.g., Gun holster). Confluent macular violaceous erythema
chlamydial infection, i.e., lymphogranuloma venereum present on the lateral side of hip and thighs is called as “Holster
(LGV) called as Groove sign of Greenblatt and is considered sign” corresponding to the site of hanging a holster.[40]
pathognomonic for LGV.  Enlargement of both inguinal and
femoral group of lymph nodes separated by Poupart’s ligament Hutchinson’s sign (named after Sir Jonathon
produces a groove known as the “Groove sign of Greenblatt.”[32] Hutchinson)
(i) Melanonychia with pigmentation of proximal nail fold seen
Hang-glider sign in subungual melanoma.[41]
This refers to the dark triangular biting apparatus of Sarcoptes (ii) Presence of papulo-vesicular lesions on the tip of nose
scabiei seen at the end of the subcorneal tunnel.[33] indicates involvement of cornea as both are supplied by
nasociliary nerve, a branch of trigeminal nerve.[42]
Hair collar sign (iii) Micro-Hutchinson’s sign: pigmentation of the periungual
It is a marker of cranial dysraphism, including encephalocele, tissues that could not be seen with the naked eye and can
meningocele, and heterotropic brain tissue. Ectopic neural be visualized by dermoscopy.[43] Micro-Hutchinson’s sign
tissue in the occipital and parietal areas takes the form of is a highly characteristic dermoscopic feature of early nail
smooth dome-shaped hairless nodules and sometimes a collar apparatus melanom a, although the sensitivity is not high.
of hypertrichosis surrounds them, this is called as hair-collar
sign.[34] Hypopyon sign
Hypopyon sign describes the presence of small, discrete,
Hairy palm sign vesicles either flaccid or tense that become secondarily
It is a characteristic histopathological finding seen in prurigo infected and pus accumulates in the lower half of the pustule.
nodularis, where there is a presence of thick compact It is a clinical sign seen in pyodermas and secondarily
orthohyperkeratosis; the hairy palm sign (folliculosebaceous infected vesicobullous disorders (e. g., pemphigus, bullous
units seen with a thick and compact cornified layer, seems pemphigoid, and linear IgA dermatosis), where there is a
like that biopsy has been taken from palm, i.e., volar skin but transverse fluid level comprising of purulent material at the
contains pilosebaceous unit).[35] bottom when the patient is in a standing position and is called
hypopyon sign.[44]
Hamburger sign
This sign has been described in relation to trichotillomania, Ingram’s sign
wherein there is vertically oriented split of hair shafts and Inability to retract the lower eye-lid in patients of progressive
proteinaceous material and erythrocytes are present in the systemic sclerosis due to underlying sclerosis is called Ingram’s
split resembling a hamburger within a bun.[36] sign.[45]

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 Madke and Nayak: Signs in dermatology

Jellinek’s sign (Rasin’s sign) bound hyperkeratosis is a rare but typical clinical finding in
Pigmentation of the eyelids seen in hyperthyroidism is called multiple myeloma and is termed as Nazzaro’s sign.[54]
as Jellinek’s sign.[46]
Nikolskiy’s sign
Kaposi-Stemmer sign This sign is named after the Russian dermatologist Piotr
Inability to pinch or pick up a fold of skin at the base of Vasiliyevich Nikolskiy who described it in 1894. It is a popular
the second toe because of its thickness is seen in chronic and respected sign in dermatology, which refers to easy peeling
lymphedema.[47] of skin on applying tangential pressure over a bony prominence
and classically seen in pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis,
Leser–Trelat sign and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Nikolskiy’s sign
First described by Edmund Leser and Ulysse Trelat, can also be elicited in the oral cavity with the help of cotton-
characterized by sudden eruption of numerous seborrhoeic tipped applicator.[6]
keratosis, usually associated with pruritus and is considered
as a marker of internal malignancy.[48] Nose sign (Pavithran’s nose sign)
It is seen in exfoliative dermatitis in which there is complete
Love’s sign absence of erythema and scaling of the nose and perinasal
Exact localization of tenderness with the help of pin head in areas.[55,56] It is hypothesized that sparing of nose in exfoliative
glomus tumor is called as Love’s sign.[49] dermatitis could be due to greater sun-exposure of nose or it
could be explained by the mechanism of island of normal skin.
Matchbox sign
Patient having delusions of parasitosis (acarophobia, Osler’s sign
entomophobia) collects skin debris with mistaken belief that Blue black pigmentation in the sclera near insertion of rectus
such collected material contains alleged parasite in a matchbox, muscle in patients who have Alkaptonuria (Endogenous
tissue paper, or small container. This whole exercise executed ochronosis).[57]
by the patient is referred to as “matchbox sign.”[50]
Pastia’s sign
Meffert’s sign Linear petechial eruption in the skin folds especially on the
It is described in Fordyce’s disease, characterized by presence ante-cubital fossa and axillary fold seen in streptococcal scarlet
of ectopically located sebaceous glands on the lips, oral mucosa fever is called Pastia’s sign.[58]
and less commonly on gums. Prominent lip involvement can
result in a lipstick like mark left on the rim of a glass mug after Patrick Yesudian sign
consuming a hot beverage (Meffert’s sign).[51] Palmar melanotic macules (palmar freckling) seen in type 1
neurofibromatosis was first reported by Patrick Yesudian and
Milian’s ear sign hence the name.[59]
Erysipelas and cellulitis have traditionally been defined as acute
inflammatory processes of infectious origin that primarily affect Pitaluga’s sign
the dermis (in the case of erysipelas) or deeper dermis and Acquired hypertrichosis of eyelashes due to Kala-azar is called
subcutaneous tissue in cellulitis. as Pitaluga’s sign.[60]

It is a sign used to distinguish between erysipelas and cellulitis Prayer sign

of the facial region, where there is involvement of ear in It is described in relation to diabetic cheiroarthropathy, wherein
erysipelas and sparing in cellulitis, as there is no deeper dermal the patient is requested to bring both the palmar surface of the
tissue and subcutaneous fat.[52] hands together as at prayer. Prayer sign is said to be positive
when patient is unable to bring both the palmar surface together
Mizutani’s sign (Round finger pad sign) completely and it indicates limited joint mobility. Limited joint
It is seen in Raynaud’s phenomenon associated with systemic mobility is secondary to nonenzymatic glycosylation of collagen
sclerosis. This sign refers to disappearance of the peaked and its deposition in the small joints of the hand.[61]
contour on fingerpads and replacement with a hemisphere-like
fingertip contour especially on ring fingers.[53] Promontory sign
It is a histopathological finding where there is appearance of
Nazzaro’s sign a small vessel protruding into an abnormal vascular space
Follicular hairy hyperkeratosis (horny follicular spicules) has been termed “promontory sign.” It has been described in
commonly located on the face which shows compact follicle Kaposi sarcoma, patch and plaque stage of angiosarcoma,

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 Madke and Nayak: Signs in dermatology

and also in a single case of reactive benign vascular shoulders in patients of dermatomyositis is called Shawl sign.[75]
proliferation.[62-64]
Samitz’s sign
Punshi’s sign Dystrophic and ragged cuticle seen in dermatomyositis is called
In young women and girls having from vitiligo the original white as Samitz sign.[76]
color of vitiligo macules turns to red-pink during menstruation
and after the menstruation, it turns to the original colour.[65] Shuster’s sign
Scarring of the concha due to lesions of discoid lupus
Pup-tent sign erythematosus is called as Shuster’s sign and it can be present
It is seen in nail lichen planus, in which the nail splits and elevates in 30% of the cases.[77]
longitudinally with downward angle of lateral nail edge.[66]
Stafne’s sign
Raccoon sign Stafne’s sign is seen in progressive systemic sclerosis.
The most common cutaneous manifestation of neonatal lupus Widening of the periodontal ligament space secondary to
erythematosus is erythematous, slightly scaly eruption on the increase in the collagen synthesis and increase in the bulk of
face and periorbital skin (raccoon sign/owl-eye/eye mask). the ligament, this is accommodated at the expense of alveolar
Periorbital hemorrhage due to laxity of blood vessels seen bone, thus causing an increase in the width of the periodontal
after proctoscopic examination (postproctoscopic periorbital ligament space.[78]
Purpura) in patients having systemic amyloidosis is also called
as Raccoon eyes/sign/panda sign.[67-69] Thumb sign (Steinberg sign)
In patients of Marfan syndrome, the thumbs protrude from the
Reverse Namaskar sign clenched fist beyond the ulnar border of hand.[29] (See also
Namaskar’ is the typical Indian way of greeting people, Umbilical sign and wrist sign).
where the forearms are folded in front of the chest and the
palms are closely approximated together. In patients with Toy soldier sign
hyperextensible joints as seen in Ehler Danlos syndrome, Linear aggregation of neoplastic lymphocytes along the
they are able to fold their forearms at the back and oppose dermal–epidermal junction seen in histopathology of mycosis
their palms to say “Namaskar,” demonstrating the hyper fungoides.[79]
extensible joints.[70]
Ugly duckling sign
Rope sign In 1998, Grob and Bonerandi introduced the “ugly duckling”
It refers to the thick indurated inflammatory cord like structure concept to demonstrate that nevi in the same individual tend
that extends from the lateral trunk to the axillae and said to to resemble one another and that atypical mole often deviates
be a classical finding of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis from the individual’s nevus pattern. In other words, nevus that
(Ackerman’s syndrome) with arthritis.[71] does not resemble other nevi is more likely to be suspicious
of melanoma.[80]
Russell’s sign
Crusted callosity on the knuckles of dominant hand due to Umbilical sign
repeated self-induced vomiting in patients of bulimia.[72,73] Umbilical sign is seen in Marfan syndrome. It is the unusual
ability to touch the umbilicus with the right hand, crossing the
Sandwich sign back, and approaching from the left side, indicating increased
In dermatophytosis, fungi are present in the horny layer between length of upper extremity.[29]
two zones of cornified cells, the upper being orthokeratotic and
lower consisting partially parakeratotic cells.[74] V- sign
Confluent macular violaceous erythema on the anterior neck
Scratch sign (coup d’ongle sign, Besnier’s sign, stroke and chest in patients of dermatomyositis is called “V” sign.[75]
of the nail)
This sign is to be elicited in patients having pityriasis versicolor, Volcano sign
wherein the barely perceptible scales are made to stand out It is descriptive term for the morphologic feature of Old World
by scratching the lesion with fingernail.[7] cutaneous leishmaniasis. The lesion starts as a small nontender
papule, which enlarges in size and ulcerates in the centre. The
Shawl sign border of the crusted ulcer often has an erythematous rim and
Confluent macular violaceous erythema on the posterior neck and is called as “Volcano sign.”.[81]

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 Madke and Nayak: Signs in dermatology

Wartenberg’s sign 7. Kangle S, Amladi S, Sawant S. Scaly signs in dermatology. Indian J

Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2006;72:161-4.
In ulnar nerve paralysis due to leprosy, the little finger assumes
8. Barnett AJ. The “neck sign” in scleroderma. Arthritis Rheum
the position of constant abduction secondary to paralysis of 1989;32:209-11.
adductor digiti minimi and is considered the earliest sign of 9. Weinstein CL, Miller MH, Kossard S, Littlejohn GO. The scleroderma
ulnar nerve affection.[82] neck sign. J Rheumatol 1989;16:1533-5.
10. Graff LG, Frederick DS, Singh JB. Branham’s sign revisited. N Engl J
Med 1977;297:509.
Wimberger’s sign 11. Fallen RS, Gooderham M. Bedbugs: An update on recognition and
Wimberger’s sign is the presence of bilateral, symmetrical, management. Skin Ther Lett 2011;16:5-7.
and well-defined metaphyseal defects on the medial surface 12. Panvelker V, Chari K, Verma AK, Batra R. Secondary syphilis in HIV
of upper tibia, can result in pseudoparalysis, and is considered infection - A diagnostic dilemma. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
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pathognomonic of congenital syphilis.[83]
13. Accioly-Filho LW, Nogueira A, Ramos-e-Silva M. Prurigo nodularis of
Hyde: An update. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2000;14:75-82.
Winterbottom’s sign 14. Boyd KP, Korf BR, Theos A. Neurofibromatosis type 1. J Am Acad
It is seen in early stages of African trypanosomiasis caused by Dermatol 2009;61:1-14.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodensiense and Trypanosoma brucei 15. Añez N, Carrasco H, Parada H, Crisante G, Rojas A, Gonzalez  N, et.al.
Acute Chagas’ disease in western Venezuela: A clinical, seroparasitologic,
gambiense known Sleeping sickness. Winterbottom’s sign is
and epidemiologic study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1999;60:215-22.
enlargement of lymph nodes in the posterior cervical chain.[84] 16. Munoz-Santos C, Sabat M, Saez A, Gratacos J, Luelmo J. Multicentric
reticulohistiocytosis-mimicking dermatomyositis. Case report and
Wrist sign (Walker’s sign) review of the literature. Dermatology 2007;214:268-71.
17. Shuster S. ‘Coudability’: A new physical sign of alopecia areata. Br J
The distal phalange of the first and fifth fingers of the hand
Dermatol 1984;111:629.
overlaps when wrapped around the opposite wrist seen in 18. Crowe FW. Axillary freckling as a diagnostic aid in neurofibromatosis.
patients having Marfan syndrome.[29] Ann Intern Med 1964;61:1142-3.
19. Misra A, Agrahari D, Gupta R. Cullen’s sign in amoebic liver abscess.
CONCLUSIONS Postgrad Med J 2002;78:427-8.
20. Bettoli V, Pizzigoni S, Borghi A, Virgili A. Ofuji papulo-erythroderma:
A reappraisal of the deck-chair sign. Dermatology 2004;209:1-4.
Knowledge of and elicitation of signs enhances clinical acumen 21. Surjushe A, Jindal S, Gote P, Saple DG. Darier’s sign. Indian J Dermatol
of dermatologists. They are harbingers of certain underlying Venereol Leprol 2007;73:363-4.
occult and serious disorders and might be the only clue at times 22. Thappa MD, Venkateswaran S, Garg B. Multiple dermatofibromas with
to diagnose a disorder in absence of any other features. The unusual features. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1995;61:120-2.
23. Katz KA. Dory flop sign of syphilis. Arch Dermatol 2010;146:572.
eponym helps you memorize that sign and immortalizes the
24. Jen M, Shah KN, Yan AC. Cutaneous changes in nutritional disease. In:
genius which went into observing that sign. This is an attempt Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffell  DJ,
made by the authors to collect all the possible signs humanly editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed.
encountered in the dermatology lexicon and by no way it is New York: McGraw Hill; 2008. p. 1201-18.
possible to prepare a comprehensive and exhaustive list of 25. Cockerell CJ. Pathology and pathobiology of the actinic (solar) keratosis.
Br J Dermatol 2003;149:34-6.
“signs.” One has to bear in mind that some of the signs are
26. Gable EK, Liu G, Morrell DS. Pediatric exanthems. Prim Care
not specific and can be observed in other related or unrelated 2000;27:353-69.
disorders. Postgraduate students in dermatology can find this 27. Frank ST. Aural sign of coronary-artery disease. N Engl J Med
paper useful for memorizing these “signs” which are “music” 1973;289:327-8.
to an old professor. 28. Dimino-Emme L, Camisa C. Trichotillomania associated with the “Friar
Tuck sign” and nail-biting. Cutis 1991;47:107-10.
29. Inamadar AC, Palit A. Cutaneous signs in heritable disorders of the
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Cite this article as: Madke B, Nayak C. Eponymous signs in dermatology.
61. Erden V, Basaranoglu G, Delatioglu H, Hamzaoglu NS. Relationship of Indian Dermatol Online J 2012;3:159-65.
difficult laryngoscopy to long-term non-insulin-dependent diabetes and hand
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
abnormality detected using the ‘prayer sign’. Br J Anaesth 2003;91:159-60.

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