Increased melanocytic nevi in patients with inherited ichthyoses: report of a previously undescribed association.

[lamellar ichthyosis]

Ichthyosis is a heterogeneous cornification disorder . Melanocytic lesions have not been previously described in association with ichthyosis . Their clinical importance lies in the fact that they may simulate melanoma clinically and dermoscopically , as seen in epidermolysis bullosa . The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical , dermoscopic , and histopathologic features of nevi and lentigines in 16 patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis -lamellar ichthyosis and nonbullous ichthyosiform congenital erythroderma . Patients underwent general clinical examination dermoscopy . The more suspicious lesions were excised and to histopathologic examination . Most patients (n = 13 ) reported no personal or familial history of melanoma or atypical nevi . All of the patients had at least five atypical melanocytic lesions . Ten of the 16 patients had at least one atypical nevus or lentigo . This study suggests that increased atypical melanocytic nevi may be a feature of long -standing congenital ichthyoses . Whether this finding is disease-related or a coincidental observation is difficult to ascertain . As an unequivocal discrimination from malignant melanoma in vivo is not always possible , regular clinical follow-up of patients with ichthyosis and increased or unusual nevi is recommended .