Nevus anemicus
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
Nevus anemicus is a congenital disorder characterized by hypopigmented macules of varying size and shape.[1][2]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
The hypopigmentation is due to increased sensitivity of the blood vessels within the area to the body’s normal vasoconstricting chemicals, such as catecholamines.[3] The involved area is lighter than the normal skin, not because of a loss of pigment occurs, but because blood vessels are constricted, producing a permanent blanching of the area. This blanching is a functional rather than a structual abnormality, presumed to be caused by local increased sensitivity to catecholamines.[4] Although the cutaneous vasculature appears normal histologically, the blood vessels within the nevus do not respond to injection of vasodilators.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
- Nevus anemicus must be differentiated from vitiligo and other diseases causing hypopigmentation.
- Rubbing the area causes the skin around the lesion to become red while the lesion itself does not change in color.[3]
- Diascopy is used to differentiate nevus anemicus from other hypopigmented skin lesions, such as vitiligo.
- Results of a skin biopsy are often interpreted as normal unlike other conditions.
- Physiological testing can exacerbate the appearance of the nevus in contrast to normal skin. Normally, when the skin is stroked, normal skin would react with a characteristic erythematous response. In nevus anemicus, stroking the patch elicits no red flare.
- Examination under a Wood lamp can also distinguish the patch form vitiligo. [5]
Natural History, Prognosis, and Complications
Natural History, Prognosis, and Complications
- The patch appears on the skin at birth or in early childhood and the lesion is benign.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Treatment
Treatment
Since the histopathology of nevus anemicus is normal, nevus anemicus is a pharmacologic nevus and not an anatomic one.[7][8] In most people a nevus anemicus is on a covered area and so light in appearance that no treatment is needed.[3]
References
References
- ↑ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 582. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ↑ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 “Dermatologic Disease Database”. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ↑ McMillan , Julia A; DeAngelis, Catherine D.; Feigin, Ralph D.; Warshaw, Joseph B. (2006). Oski’s Pediatrics, Principles & Practice. (4th ed.). Page 458. ISBN 978-0-7817-1618-5.
- ↑ Barber Kirk (2010). Consultant For Pediatricians ‘. Page 9:233, 237.
- ↑ “Global Skin Atlas”. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
- ↑ Mountcastle EA, Diestelmeier MR, Lupton GP. Nevus anemicus. J Am Acad Dermatol 1986;14:628-32..
- ↑ Requena L, Sangueza OP. Cutaneous vascular anomalies. Part 1. Hamartomas, malformations and dilation of preexisting vessels. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:523-49,quiz 549-52.
- ↑ {{cite web| title= Dermatology Atlas, created by Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D. | url=(http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/disease.jsf?diseaseId=313)
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH