An Anthropometric Study of Total Body Nevus Counts, Height, Sex, and Age Differences

There is limited data on the association of height, age, and sex with total body nevus counts.

We performed a single-center, university hospital-based study in adults without previous history of melanoma who underwent total body skin examination for screening of nevi. Multivariable logistic regression models were used for the association between per 10 cm increments in height and the outcome of the total body nevus counts, after adjustment for age, sex, and skin color.

In 813 individuals with a median age of 43 years, nevus counts were lower in older individuals in multivariable analysis. Those older than 51 years had 73% lower likelihood to have 30-60 nevi (odds ratio [OR] vs. < 15 nevi: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.55), and 60% lower likelihood to have more than 60 nevi (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.81). Each 10 cm increase of height did not have a significant independent association with greater nevus counts overall. In age-stratified analysis, in individuals 50 years old or younger, each 10 cm increase of height was not associated with having 30 or more nevi (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.79-1.33). In individuals older than 50 years old, each 10 cm increase of height was significantly associated with lower likelihood of having 30 or more nevi (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.998, p = 0.049).

Our study showed lower nevus counts in older individuals and that the age-related lower nevus counts were more pronounced in those who are taller, suggesting possible underlying common drivers for height and age-related nevi involution mechanisms.