Dermal Melanocytosis

Abstract

Dermal melanocytosis includes a spectrum of benign diseases, including congenital dermal melanocytosis, nevus of Ota, and nevus of Ito. Congenital dermal melanocytosis is blue–gray pigmentation typically on the lumbar or sacral regions. Affected areas outside the lumbar or sacral region are less likely to fade with time. Nevus of Ota is usually a unilateral blue–gray pigmentation change of the face in the distribution of the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve. It persists lifelong and can be complicated by ocular melanoma. Nevus of Ito is similar to Nevus of Ota in that it persists lifelong but differs in its location. Nevus of Ito primarily affects the supraclavicular, deltoid, or scapular regions. In select cases, dermal melanocytosis can be treated with cosmetic cover-ups and lasers that target melanin.