Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of acquired melanocytic nevi in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study from Turkey.

Abstract

Background: Childhood and adolescence are the most active periods for nevi development, which provide insights into nevogenesis.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of acquired melanocytic nevi in Turkish children (aged ≤ 10-years) and adolescents (aged > 10-years) regarding demographic, constitutional, and environmental factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on participants aged < 18-years examined for acquired melanocytic nevi between January and June 2023.

Results: One hundred participants (female: male ratio = 1:1; median age: 10) were assessed. The median nevi number was significantly higher in adolescents than in children (6 vs. 4; p < 0.05). The upper extremities (n = 68) and trunk (n = 67) were the most commonly involved anatomical regions. Females had a significantly higher nevi rate on the upper extremities than males (80% vs. 56%; p < 0.05). The trunk was involved slightly more frequently in males (76% vs. 58%; p = 0.06). The globular pattern rate was higher in children than in adolescents (70.6% vs. 42.9%; p < 0.05), whereas a striking increase was observed in the reticular pattern from childhood (2%) to adolescence (14.3%) (p < 0.05). The globular pattern was the major dermoscopic pattern in all anatomical locations except lower extremities where the homogeneous pattern prevailed. Sunscreen use had no impact on the nevi number or dermoscopic pattern.

Study limitations: Limited number of participants.

Conclusions: The age and anatomical site were the most relevant factors influencing the number and dermoscopic patterns of nevi. The gender-related distribution pattern of nevi, without any effect of sunscreen use on either nevus count or dermoscopic pattern, suggests a genetic predisposition.