Nevus depigmentosus on the lateral trunk of a toddler.
Hypopigmented patch of nevus depigmentosus on a child’s back.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Nevus depigmentosus presents as a hypopigmented unilateral patch at birth or within the first few months of infancy. It is quasidermatomal with borders that are sometimes irregular. Whorled patterns following the embryonic lines of Blaschko have been described. Family history of similar lesions is usually negative. Most authorities consider this a birthmark of hypofunctioning melanocytes both in the production and transfer of melanin granules. The skin change persists. Compression of the border will not eliminate color changes as seen in nevus anemicus.
TREATMENT
There is no known effective therapy. Protecting against sunburn in this area with clothing or sunscreen is recommended.
Figure 2 from Paller, AS & Mancini AJ, Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, 4th Edition. Copyright Elsevier 2011.
