Epicanthal folds

• normal appearance (for people of Asiatic descent and some non-Oriental infants)
• Down syndrome

Home Care:

• There is usually no home care needed.

Call Your Healthcare 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:
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 ?
  • 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.


This is an illustration of the different landmarks of the face. These landmarks may be referred to when answering questions in the Symptom Analysis section.