National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Nevus of Ito


Other Names:
Nevi of Ito
Categories:
Nevus of Ito is a colored birth mark that is usually slate-brown or blue/gray. It is an unusual birthmark in which the melanocytes (pigment cells) are found deeper than normal in the skin. This type of birthmark is usually located on the shoulder and upper arm area on one side of the body. It can sometimes be associated with sensory changes in the involved skin area. Very rarely does nevus of Ito become cancerous. The exact cause is unknown. They are most commonly found in Asian populations and appear more frequently in females. They are very uncommon in Caucasians.[1][2]
Last updated: 9/28/2011

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Nevus of Ito. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Naevi of Ota and Ito. DermNet NZ. August 2011; http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/naevus-ota-ito.html. Accessed 9/28/2011.
  2. Nevi of Ota and Ito . eMedicine. July 2008; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1058580-overview. Accessed 9/28/2011.