Epicanthal folds

Alternative names:

plica palpebronasalis

Home care:

• There is usually no home care needed.

Call your health care provider if:

(This trait is usually found during the first well baby exam.)

• you notice epicanthal folds on your child's eyes and the reason for their presence is unknown.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• family history
  • Are any family members affected with Down syndrome or other genetic disorder?
  • Is there any family history of mental retardation or birth defects?
• other
  • What other symptoms or abnormalities are also present?

Physical examination:
A non-Oriental child that is born with epicanthal folds may be examined for other signs of Down syndrome.

After seeing your health care provider:
If Down syndrome or another diagnosis was made by your health care provider, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial