Q. What treatment options are available for the treatment of nevus sebaceous? An 18-month-old girl who has it on the back of her head, where it impairs hair growth. When is a good time to treat nevus sebaceous for cosmetic reasons and to avoid possible basal carcinoma?

A. A nevus is a collection of pigment-producing cells. The nevus sebaceous is a specific birthmark that occurs most commonly on the face, scalp, or neck. The cause is unknown. It is a rare occurrence but important to diagnose as it has an increased risk for developing into a cancerous skin condition over time. The general recommendation is to remove the lesion surgically before puberty to prevent cancer from developing. Several organizations exist that can keep you up to date on current research and resources:

Nevus Network
The Congenital Nevus Support Group
P.O. Box 305
West Salem, OH 44287
Tel: (419)853-4525
Fax: (405)377-3403
Email: info@nevusnetwork.org
Internet: http://www.nevusnetwork.org

Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types
650 North Cannon Ave
Suite 17
Lansdale, PA 19446
Tel: (215)631-1411
Tel: (800)545-3286
Email: info@scalyskin.org
Internet: http://www.scalyskin.org

NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)587-4352
TDD: (301)565-2966

HME Contact Group
3 Linn Drive
Netherlee
Glasgow, G44 3PT
Scotland
Tel: 0141 633 2617
Email: HMEContactGroup@tinyworld.co.uk

Nevus Outreach, Inc.
1601 Madison Blvd
Bartlesville, OK 74006
Tel: (918)331-0595
Fax: (918)331-0595
Email: info@nevus.org
Internet: http://www.nevus.org

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?
cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20111203&dopt=Abstract

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