NEVUS DEPIGMENTOSUS
The Nevus Depigmentosus (ND) is a hypopigmented patch that is stable in relative size and distribution throughout life.
- Over 90% of lesions present before 3 years of age. Some are congenital.
- There is some overlap with other conditions including Hypomelanosis of Ito and segmental vitiligo.
- This author prefers to use the term nevus depigmentosus to refer to limited/small areas of hypopigmentation.
- Larger, linear, or whorled lesions have classically described under the term Hypomelanosis of Ito.
- When studied histologically, the number of melanocytes in nevus depigmentosus is normal. It seems that this lesion is caused by a functional defect of melanocytes.
Clinical
The ND presents as a small patch or segmental area of uniform hypopigmentation (but not depigmentation) with a sharp border in a young child. The most commonly affected sites are the back and buttocks. Wood's light accentuates the lesion. If the lesion has an abrupt demarcation at the midline, consider segmental pigmentation disorder.
Treatment
No treatment is needed. Protection from the sun should be recommended. The 308-nm excimer laser has been used with benefit.
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