06/26/2025
Derm Index: Understanding Nevus Sebaceous
Nevus sebaceous is a birthmark that is present at birth in less than 1% of babies, often found on the face or scalp. Initially, it looks flat, smooth, and pink, with no hair around its edges. As a child grows, especially during puberty, the lesion may change—it can become darker, larger, and develop raised bumps, taking on an orange, warty appearance. While nevus sebaceous is usually harmless, there is a small risk that it can develop into a skin cancer later in life, so it’s important for the lesion to be monitored by a healthcare provider.
Clinical Features
At birth, nevus sebaceous presents as a flat, pink, and velvety patch, typically localized to the scalp or face. Over time, especially during puberty, the lesion undergoes transformation, becoming more raised, yellow-orange, and papular. The surface may develop warty ridges, and hair around the edges of the lesion may be absent. Sebaceous glands, epidermal cells, hair follicles, and connective tissue are all components of the lesion, which is why it is classified as a hamartoma—a benign overgrowth of normal tissue types.
Nevus sebaceous is typically observed in both males and females across all ethnic groups, without any marked predilection for gender or race. The lesion usually appears as a single plaque, although multiple lesions can occur in rare instances. Most often, these lesions are asymptomatic, though they may be cosmetically concerning or present with complications in some cases.
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Image Source: dermnetnz.org
