Living with Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis
A harmless skin pigment condition with swirling dark streaks that appears in newborns or young infants.
Understanding Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis
It appears in newborns or early infancy as swirling streaks of darkened skin, mainly on the trunk and limbs. The streaks follow lines of normal skin development and sometimes fade with age. Most often only the skin is affected, but growth, developmental, or heart problems may be present.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition. Its summary describes these features:
- Swirling streaks of darker skin
- Streaks mainly on the trunk and limbs
- Streaks that may fade with age
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is unknown. Genetic factors, especially chromosomal mosaicism, may be involved. GARD says it is not thought to be inherited.
Also known as: becker nevus; becker's nevus; linear papular ectodermal-mesodermal hamartoma; lwnh; melanosis neviformis; pigmented hairy epidermal nevus
Patient organizations
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
Broader rare-disease groups
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis.
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