Nevus anemicus

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Nevus anemicus
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Pale patch on the skin
Complications	N/A
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic
Risks	None
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis	Vitiligo, Tinea versicolor, Pityriasis alba
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	None required
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A congenital skin condition characterized by a pale patch of skin

Nevus anemicus is a congenital skin condition that presents as a pale patch on the skin. It is a benign condition and is often noticed at birth or in early childhood. The pale appearance of the nevus is due to a localized vascular anomaly that results in reduced blood flow to the affected area, giving it a lighter color compared to the surrounding skin.

Pathophysiology

Nevus anemicus is caused by a localized hypersensitivity of the blood vessels to catecholamines, which leads to persistent vasoconstriction. This results in a reduced blood supply to the area, making it appear paler than the surrounding skin. The condition is not due to a lack of pigment, but rather a lack of blood flow.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of nevus anemicus is primarily clinical. It is characterized by a well-defined, pale patch of skin that does not change color when pressure is applied, unlike other types of nevus or hypopigmentation. A simple test to differentiate nevus anemicus from other conditions is the "diascopy test," where pressure is applied to the skin with a glass slide. In nevus anemicus, the pale area remains unchanged, while surrounding skin may blanch.

Differential Diagnosis

Nevus anemicus should be differentiated from other conditions that cause hypopigmented patches on the skin, such as:

• Vitiligo
• Pityriasis alba
• Nevus depigmentosus
• Tinea versicolor

Management

Nevus anemicus is a benign condition and does not require treatment. It is important to educate patients and their families about the nature of the condition to alleviate any concerns about its appearance. Since it is a cosmetic issue, some individuals may seek advice on cosmetic camouflage techniques if the nevus is in a visible area.

Prognosis

The prognosis for nevus anemicus is excellent. It is a stable condition that does not progress or lead to any complications. The appearance of the nevus remains consistent over time.

See also

• Nevus
• Hypopigmentation
• Dermatology