A congenital pigmented or melanocytic nevus is a dark-colored, often hairy patch of skin that is present at birth.

A giant congenital nevus is smaller in infants and children, but it usually continues to grow with the child. A giant pigmented nevus is larger than 8 inches once it stops growing.

Congenital giant pigmented nevus; Giant hairy nevus; Giant pigmented nevus; Bathing trunk nevus; Congenital melanocytic nevus - large

Bathing trunk nevi are thought to be caused by defects or problems that occur as a baby grows in the womb. However, in some families bathing trunk nevi may be inherited.

A bathing trunk nevus may occur with:

• Growth of fatty tissue cells (lipomas)
• Neurofibromatosis
• Other nevi
• Spina bifida

Smaller congenital pigmented or melanocytic nevi are common in children and lead to fewer complications. Larger or giant nevi are fairly rare.

Images

Congenital nevus on the abdomen

Next Section

Giant congenital nevus Symptoms

Review Date: 10/08/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)