Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue are a common, yet infrequently considered, variant of normal oral pigmentation. The clinical and histologic features of this entity are described. A random survey of 300 individuals revealed this finding in 30% of Negro women, 25% of Negro men and in several members of other deeply pigmented races. Once the condition is recognized, the clinician need not concern himself nor his patient with a long list of potentially ominous diagnoses.

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Lichen aureus is one of the rarest of the pigmented and purpuric dermatoses. The eruption consists of lichenoid papules and plaques with a golden to purplish color, and the histology reveals a dense and bandlike infiltrate hugging the epidermis. It consists of lymphocytes and histiocytes, often with extravasation of red cells. The eruption is asymptomatic and has a prolonged course. A case is presented which is unusual for its widespread localization, peculiar location, and rather dramatic response to topical therapy.

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