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Don’t fight Becker's nevus alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.Becker's nevus is a non-cancerous, large, brown birthmark occurring mostly in males. It can be present at birth, but is usually first noticed around puberty. It typically occurs on one shoulder and upper trunk but occasionally occurs elsewhere on the body. A Becker's nevus often becomes darker, and excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) and acne may develop within the nevus.
Becker's nevus is due to overgrowth of the epidermis (upper layer of the skin), pigment cells (melanocytes) and hair follicles. The specific underlying cause is unknown. Because it often forms around puberty in males and is sometimes associated with acne and hair growth, its development may be triggered by androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone).
Treatment is primarily for cosmetic reasons (hyperpigmentation or hair growth) and may include Ruby laser treatment or laser-assisted hair removal.
In very rare cases, Becker's nevus is associated with other skin features; muscular or skeletal features; or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the breast. When this occurs, the condition is known as Becker's nevus syndrome.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
A Becker's nevus typically begins to develop around puberty on the shoulder or upper trunk, although it may develop on other areas of the body. It is sometimes present from birth. Pigmentation (darkening of skin color) may be subtle at first, but the nevus often darkens after puberty and expands. The resulting birthmark is usually large, brown, and on one side of the body. The nevus may grow more hair than the surrounding skin. In some cases, acne develops within the nevus.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Becker's nevus typically does not require treatment except for cosmetic reasons - primarily excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) and hyperpigmentation.
Treatment has always been challenging, often using lasers with mixed results. Q-switched ruby laser has been used with variable success in the treatment of both the hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation. Hypertrichosis may also be improved by laser-assisted hair removal or by electrolysis. Hyperpigmentation may be lessened with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser or fractional resurfacing, although responses are variable and recurrence rates are high. Acne that develops within the nevus can be treated with standard acne therapies.
People with Becker's nevi should be examined for associated soft tissue and bony abnormalities.
More detailed information about the treatment of Becker's nevus is available here on Medscape Reference's website. You may need to register to view this, but registration is free.
Last updated on 05-01-20
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