Desmoplastic hairless hypopigmented nevus (DHHN). A distinct variant of giant melanocytic nevus
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
María del Carmen Boente1, Raúl A Asial
1Centro de Investigaciones Dermatológicas, Tucumán, Argentina. mboente@arnet.com.ar
Abstract:
Desmoplastic hairless hypopigmented nevus (DHHN) is the name Ruiz-Maldonado et al. gave to a new variant of giant congenital melanocytic nevus characterized clinically by a hard ligneous consistency, absence of hair and progressive loss of pigment. Histologically, dermal fibrosis consistent with desmoplasia is a predominant feature. We describe a 6-year-old boy with a hard hairless pigmented congenital nevus involving the lumbosacral area, buttocks, perineum and scrotum. During the first years of life, the nevus showed a progressive reduction in colour, size and consistency. These changes continued until the age of four when a well-demarcated tumour appeared, within the nevus, on the right buttock. Resection of this outgrowth was performed. Histologically, nevus cells of normal appearance between thick collagen bundles were present. Immunostaining revealed S100 +, Vim +, HMB45--results. The nevus has continued to involute to date. An immune response against the melanocytes of the nevus may explain this type of evolution.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

