Summary about Disease
Nevus Sebaceous (also known as Nevus Sebaceous of Jadassohn) is a benign congenital skin hamartoma characterized by an overgrowth of sebaceous glands, epidermis, hair follicles, and apocrine glands. It typically presents as a raised, hairless, yellowish-orange plaque, most commonly found on the scalp but can also occur on the face, neck, or forehead. While usually harmless, there is a small risk of developing secondary tumors within the nevus, most commonly benign but rarely malignant.
Symptoms
A raised, hairless patch of skin.
The patch is typically yellowish-orange in color.
The surface may be smooth in early childhood but becomes more bumpy and warty as the individual ages.
Most commonly found on the scalp but can occur on the face, neck, or forehead.
May enlarge and become more prominent during puberty due to hormonal changes.
Causes
Nevus Sebaceous is caused by a sporadic genetic mutation that occurs after conception. Specifically, mutations in the HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS genes have been identified in some cases. It is not inherited from parents.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine used to treat Nevus Sebaceous itself. The primary treatment is surgical excision. Topical medications like retinoids or keratolytics may sometimes be used to reduce the thickness of the lesion before surgery, but they do not eliminate the nevus. Management focuses on monitoring for secondary tumors and addressing them if they arise.
Is Communicable
No, Nevus Sebaceous is not communicable. It is a genetic condition, not an infectious disease.
Precautions
Regular monitoring of the nevus for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
Protecting the affected area from excessive sun exposure.
Consultation with a dermatologist regarding the risk of secondary tumors and the need for surgical removal.
How long does an outbreak last?
Nevus Sebaceous is not an "outbreak" condition. It is a congenital growth present from birth, that persists throughout life unless surgically removed.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical examination: A dermatologist can often diagnose Nevus Sebaceous based on its characteristic appearance and location.
Dermoscopy: This technique uses a magnified view of the skin to identify specific features of the lesion.
Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
Birth: Present as a subtle, smooth or slightly raised, pale yellow or pink patch.
Childhood: The patch may remain relatively unchanged or gradually become more raised and yellowish-orange.
Puberty: Hormonal changes can cause the lesion to enlarge and become more prominent, with a warty or bumpy surface.
Adulthood: The risk of developing secondary tumors within the nevus increases with age.
Important Considerations
Surgical excision is the most common treatment and is often recommended to prevent the development of secondary tumors.
The risk of malignancy is low but not zero, making long-term monitoring important.
Even after surgical removal, there is a small risk of recurrence.
Psychological impact: The appearance of Nevus Sebaceous, especially on the face or scalp, can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Support and counseling may be helpful.