This 26-year-old female came through the screening clinic for routine dental care. The first thing I noticed was her linear epidermal nevus. The lesion had been present for as long as she could remember. She had no esthetic concerns so she had never sought diagnosis and treatment.
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26-year-old female with linear epidermal nevus
(I apologize for the picture being slightly askew, I took this on my phone)
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Linear epidermal nevi are rare, brown colored multiple papules that are present at birth. They are a result of epidermal hyperplasia (increased thickness of the top most layer of skin). It is important to note that these lesions present in the oral cavity, both independently or with a cutaneous component. The lesions can be classified into various types based on the extent of skin involved and the appearance. A more pronounced version of this process involving one side of the body is referred to as nevus units lateris. Ichthyosis hystrix is the most severe form of this condition. It is characterized by bilateral involvement and significant deformity.
Rarely, linear epidermal nevi present with systemic involvement, most commonly of brain, eyes and bones. In such instances, the condition is referred to as linear epidermal syndrome.
Treating epidermal nevi can be challenging. Topical therapy and surgical excision are the two options.
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