Multiple Aplasia Cutis Congenita Lesions of the Scalp: A Case Study

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare condition that presents at birth as an absence of skin that does not usually involve underlying structures. Occurring in 3/10,000 live births, ACC is evenly distributed between males and females; the risk of ACC increases to 7 percent in consanguineous marriages. Up to 86 percent of lesions are found on the scalp in the midline vertex position. Lesions can also be found on the trunk and limbs, as with Adams-Oliver syndrome or accompanying epidermolysis bullosa. ACC is associated with chromosomal abnormalities and 35-50 percent of the time with trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). This case study presents an infant with multiple ACC lesions of the scalp. The pathophysiology, treatment, potential long-term complications, and nursing considerations are discussed.