Symptoms Of A Nevus Sebaceous

A nevus sebaceous is a rare birthmark that results in unusual growths on the scalp or face. It is technically a type of benign hair follicle tumor that is unlikely to cause any severe health problems. However, a nevus sebaceous can occasionally cause some complications, so it is helpful to know whether or not one is present. This type of birthmark may look fairly unobtrusive at first, so individuals often do not get diagnosed with them until they are teens or adults. There are a few things individuals should keep an eye out for if they think they might have a nevus sebaceous.

Hairless And Smooth Patch Of Yellow-Orange Skin

When children are first born, a nevus sebaceous may go unnoticed because it does not look very different from normal skin at first. The only sign of a nevus sebaceous in infants is typically a hairless and smooth patch of yellow-orange skin or brown skin, so at first, parents often think it is a bruise from the intensity of the birthing process. However, the area will not fade over time like other swelling or bruising. This patch of discolored skin will have very well-defined borders instead of fading gradually into the rest of the skin. Nevi sebaceous tend to be oval or linear, and the texture of this kind of birthmark is often described as velvety. As a baby begins to grow hair, the area with the nevus sebaceous will remain hairless. This tends to be particularly noticeable if the birthmark is on the scalp, but if it is on the face, forehead, or neck, the lack of hair may not be unusual enough for a parent to seek a diagnosis.

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Thickened And Bumpy Skin

As a child goes through puberty, hormonal changes will cause the nevus sebaceous to become more noticeable. The skin in the area with the birthmark will start to become thicker. Some individuals find the affected skin starts to develop small bumps or scales. The thickened and bumpy skin is often initially mistaken for a wart, but it will not respond to traditional treatments. It may also expand in size a little as the skin becomes more textured. Though the cosmetic alterations of a nevus sebaceous can be difficult for some individuals, the birthmark itself is not normally painful or uncomfortable. They will not itch or hurt like some other types of tumors. Normally, the nevus sebaceous does not change in size or shape much once an individual passes puberty. All of the bumpy areas are usually confined to one patch of skin, though in some cases, the patient may get one or more spot on their head.

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