Crowe's sign

System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Freckling in the armpits (axillary freckling) in a child or adult with other features of neurofibromatosis.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.

◈ Behind the name

Frank W. Crowe (1919–1985), American physician who studied neurofibromatosis families.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.