What is nevus anemicus?

Nevus anemicus is a vascular abnormality present at birth or appearing shortly after, characterized by fixed, irregular pale patches on the skin that persist for life. Apart from localized paleness, the skin shows no other abnormalities.

Which department should I visit for nevus anemicus?

English name: Nevus anemicus.

Alias: Anemic white patch.

Departments: Dermatology, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery.

What causes nevus anemicus?

It results from developmental defects in the skin's blood vessels, localized vascular dysfunction, and heightened sensitivity to endogenous catecholamines, leading to persistent vasoconstriction and localized skin paleness.

Who is more likely to develop nevus anemicus?

It is more common in females than males.

What are the main symptoms and manifestations of nevus anemicus?

It presents as single or multiple, irregularly shaped pale patches of varying sizes, often occurring on the face, neck, chest, or back.

Aside from localized paleness, the skin shows no other abnormalities, no itching or discomfort, and the patches persist for life.

How is nevus anemicus diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, Wood's lamp examination showing normal pigmentation, failure of the pale patch to redden with heat, rubbing, or tapping (while surrounding normal skin does), or inability to distinguish the lesion from adjacent skin when pressed with a glass slide (returning to its original state afterward).

How is nevus anemicus treated?

Nevus anemicus does not require treatment, and there are currently no safe and effective therapies. Local injection of receptor blockers to dilate blood vessels may temporarily normalize the patch but is not recommended.

Cosmetic concealers can be used if appearance is a concern.

What are the risks of nevus anemicus? What is the prognosis?

Most cases are isolated (i.e., the patient has no other issues) and remain unchanged for life. Aside from cosmetic concerns, it generally has no impact.

Rarely, nevus anemicus may be associated with genetic syndromes like phakomatosis pigmentovascularis, neurofibromatosis, or tuberous sclerosis.

If other symptoms or changes in the patch occur, medical evaluation is needed.

How can nevus anemicus be prevented?

There are currently no preventive measures.