Linear Epidermal Nevus

Linear Epidermal naevi is an uncommon skin condition which typically affects the limbs or torso, usually on one side of the body. Lesions typically appear at birth or in infancy, and present as flat, linear patches which may be brown or tan in color. These patches will thicken and become wart-like as the affected person ages. Spreading of the condition may occur during the early stages.

Linear epidermal naevi result from a genetic abnormality which causes defects in the ectoderm, the part of embryos which form the skin. No ethnic, age or gender group is more likely to develop the condition. The presence of the condition may also indicate associated syndromes which develop as a result of the same genetic abnormalities of the ectoderm, which also forms the neural system during fetal development. Additionally, in rare cases, lesions may develop tumors which may be cancerous.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)Acrokeratosis verruciformis of Hopf
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
CHILD syndrome
Lichen Striatus
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Nevus comedonicus
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (Bullous Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma)
Nevus Sebaceus
Erythrokeratodermia Variabilis
Porokeratosis
Keratosis Follicularis (Darier disease)
Proteus syndrome
Lichen Nitidus
Lichen Planus

Linear Epidermal naevi are usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the affected area. Other testing, including imaging tests such as MRIs, may be performed to confirm diagnosis and rule out other conditions, in addition to being used to determine the extent of the disorder.