A new condition has been identified on infant's legs caused by the tight elastic bands from tiny socks.
The "sock-line bands" left by the socks are raised, reddish coloured markings around the ankle or leg and can develop after wearing a tight pair of socks for even just a small amount of time.
According to the British Journal of Dermatology study, the colour of the mark will ultimately fade, although the raised lines may remain.
However while they may be unattractive, the lesions appear to be harmless.
It is unclear whether scarring will be permanent as the condition has only recently been recognised.
However, parents are advised to make sure the socks they purchase for their children are carefully chosen, allowing plenty of space between the leg and the sock material.
The findings by a team at Washington University distinguish sock-line bands from other infant leg markings which can be associated with more sinister conditions like limb defects.
The team examined more than a dozen cases of these lesions reported in Europe and the US and concluded that socks were the culprit in the majority of them.
It is important for researchers to be able to discuss this new discovery in relation to already established skin disorders. | 
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