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Nevus anemicus in Child
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Nevus anemicus in Child

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Contributors: Nnenna Agim MD, Catherine Chung MD, Susan Burgin MD
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Synopsis

Nevus anemicus : Present at birth
Nevus anemicus is a cutaneous finding characterized by focal pallor of skin without textural irregularity due to congenital local hypersensitivity of cutaneous blood vessels to catecholamines. The vasoconstriction and subsequent pallor of the affected skin mimics hypopigmentation, but this usually congenital change has no associated pigmentary alteration. Nevus anemicus usually involves the trunk, but lesions on the face and extremities have been observed. It is usually first noticed at birth or in early childhood, but because it can often be subtle and is asymptomatic, it is frequently an isolated incidental finding.

Nevus anemicus may also occur in association with several syndromes, including neurofibromatosis (up to 4% of cases) and phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV), a syndrome consisting of combinations of cutaneous and vascular findings that may include capillary malformations, dermal melanocytosis, and nevus spilus, caused by mutations in the GNAQ / GNA11 pathways. Nevus anemicus has also been seen in patients with Legius syndrome with confirmed SPRED1 mutation and Noonan syndrome with lentigines, with a confirmed PTPN11 mutation.

Codes

ICD10CM:
Q82.5 – Congenital non-neoplastic nevus

SNOMEDCT:
40929003 – Nevus anemicus

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Last Reviewed:07/26/2021
Last Updated:08/05/2021
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Patient Information for Nevus anemicus in Child
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Nevus anemicus : Present at birth

Overview

A nevus is commonly called a birthmark. A nevus anemicus is a patch of skin that is lighter than the surrounding skin. It is present at birth.

Nevi can be of various shapes and sizes. The border of the pale patch is irregular.

Who’s At Risk

Nevus anemicus is present at birth, but may be first noticed in early childhood. It is harmless and there is no increased risk of spread or malignancy.

Signs & Symptoms

  • One or more pale patches of skin on the body's trunk, and sometimes on the neck, face, arms, and legs.
  • Seen at birth or first observed in infants or young children.
  • Unlike the surrounding normal skin, it does not turn red upon pressing or from heat and cold.

Self-Care Guidelines

Nevus anemicus is a harmless condition that does not require treatment.

You can use cosmetics to cover the patch if you prefer.

When to Seek Medical Care

Your child's pediatrician can check for pale skin patches and confirm the diagnosis is harmless. If you observe any other skin changes, consult your pediatrician to rule out other conditions.

Treatments

No treatments are needed for this benign condition.
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Nevus anemicus in Child
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Nevus anemicus : Present at birth
Clinical image of Nevus anemicus - imageId=93049. Click to open in gallery. caption: 'A white patch with scalloped borders and faint surrounding erythema on the chest.'
A white patch with scalloped borders and faint surrounding erythema on the chest.

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