Nevus depigmentosus

Nevus depigmentosus is a type of skin lesion that is present at birth or appears in early childhood. It is characterized by a patch of skin that is lighter than the surrounding skin due to a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Causes

Nevus depigmentosus is caused by a decrease in the number of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. The exact reason for this decrease is not known, but it is thought to be due to a genetic mutation.

Symptoms

The main symptom of nevus depigmentosus is a patch of skin that is lighter than the surrounding skin. This patch can be any size and can occur anywhere on the body. It does not cause any physical discomfort or other symptoms.

Diagnosis

Nevus depigmentosus is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist based on the appearance of the skin. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no cure for nevus depigmentosus, but treatments are available to help manage the condition. These may include cosmetic camouflage to help blend the patch with the surrounding skin, or laser therapy to help stimulate melanin production.

Prognosis

Nevus depigmentosus is a benign condition that does not affect a person's overall health. However, it can cause psychological distress due to its appearance.

See also

• Vitiligo
• Albinism
• Melanoma

Nevus depigmentosus Resources
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