The Association of Becker Nevus With Hypersensitivity to Androgens

Acneiform lesions in Becker's nevus and breast hypoplasia

“…In 1984, Person and Longcope 8 detected an increase in the levels of androgen receptors in Becker's nevus. Later studies confirmed this increase, supporting the hypothesis of hormonal hyper‐responsiveness of this cutaneous hamartoma 9 . To date, there have been five reports of acne mainly localized on Becker's nevus.…”

Androgen receptor overexpression in Becker nevus: histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis

“…The etiologic role of androgenic stimulation because of several clinicopathologic features of BN has been suggested, although the associated musculoskeletal anomalies are difficult to explain by this mechanism. Previous studies have found an increased level of AR in BN 4–6 . The microscopic demonstration of an enhanced expression of AR within lesional skin compared with the normal skin could provide supportive evidence for a role of androgens in the pathogenesis of BN.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that an increase in the amount of AR, as detected by ligand‐binding assays, is associated with BN of adolescent males as well as adolescent females 4,5 . Nirde et al 6 found higher levels of AR within fibroblasts of BN in comparison with those assayed in the normal skin fibroblasts, thus confirming earlier work that noted high levels of AR in BN. Using competitive reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, they also found higher levels of AR messenger RNA (mRNA) within the BN compared with unaffected skin fibroblasts.…”

Becker's melanosis associated with fibrous dysplasia

“…Androgen may play a role as evidenced by peripubertal growth, male preponderance, hypertrichosis, occasional development of acneiform lesions within the patch, 2 and association with the various androgen‐mediated anomalies. Additionally, a significant increase in the number of androgen receptors in lesional skin has been reported 3–5 …”