Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Measuring Connectivity in the Primary Visual Pathway in Human Albinism Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tractography
Published on: August 11, 2016
Congenital Pigmentary Anomalies in the Newborn
Kaiane A Habeshian1, A Yasmine Kirkorian1
1Division of Dermatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Insights
Recognizing congenital pigmentary anomalies in newborns is crucial, as some birthmarks require further evaluation due to potential skin issues or systemic effects. This review covers key conditions like pigmentary mosaicism and congenital melanocytic nevi.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital pigmentary anomalies present at birth or develop in infancy/childhood.
- While many birthmarks are benign, some indicate underlying cutaneous morbidity or systemic issues.
- Early recognition of neonatal pigmentary anomalies is vital for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common congenital pigmentary anomalies in neonates.
- To highlight conditions requiring further medical evaluation.
- To discuss pigmentary anomalies associated with specific genetic syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of congenital pigmentary anomalies.
- Focus on conditions like pigmentary mosaicism, congenital melanocytic nevi, nevus spilus, and dermal melanocytosis.
- Examination of pigmentary findings in neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis, and incontinentia pigmenti.
Main Results:
- Detailed descriptions of various congenital pigmentary anomalies are provided.
- Associated conditions and syndromes are discussed, including café au lait spots and hypomelanotic macules.
- The review emphasizes the importance of differentiating benign from potentially serious conditions.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of congenital pigmentary anomalies is essential for appropriate management.
- A subset of these anomalies necessitates further investigation for systemic involvement.
- Understanding these conditions aids in pediatric dermatology and genetic counseling.
Abstract:
Congenital pigmentary anomalies may be evident at birth or soon after, with some birthmarks becoming apparent later in infancy or early childhood. It is important to recognize various pigmentary anomalies in the neonate, most of which are benign but a subset of which are associated with cutaneous morbidity or systemic ramifications and require further evaluation. This review will focus on pigmentary mosaicism, congenital melanocytic nevi, nevus spilus, dermal melanocytosis, and pigmentary anomalies associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (café au lait spots, freckling, plexiform neurofibromas, nevus anemicus), tuberous sclerosis (hypomelanotic macules), and incontinentia pigmenti.
Related Concept Videos
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Epistasis
Pleiotropy

