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

Becker's nevus

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Other Names:
Becker melanosis; Becker nevus; Becker naevus
Categories:
Becker's nevus is a non-cancerous, large, brown birthmark occurring mostly in males. It can be present at birth, but is usually first noticed around puberty. It typically occurs on one shoulder and upper trunk but occasionally occurs elsewhere on the body. A Becker's nevus often becomes darker, and excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) and acne may develop within the nevus.[1][2]

Becker's nevus is due to overgrowth of the epidermis (upper layer of the skin), pigment cells (melanocytes) and hair follicles.[2] The specific underlying cause is unknown.[3] Because it often forms around puberty in males and is sometimes associated with acne and hair growth, its development may be triggered by androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone).[1][3]

Treatment is primarily for cosmetic reasons (hyperpigmentation or hair growth) and may include Ruby laser treatment or laser-assisted hair removal.[3][1]

In very rare cases, Becker's nevus is associated with other skin features; muscular or skeletal features; or underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the breast. When this occurs, the condition is known as Becker's nevus syndrome.[4]
Last updated: 9/15/2016
A Becker's nevus typically begins to develop around puberty on the shoulder or upper trunk, although it may develop on other areas of the body.[2] It is sometimes present from birth.[1] Pigmentation (darkening of skin color) may be subtle at first, but the nevus often darkens after puberty and expands.[3] The resulting birthmark is usually large, brown, and on one side of the body. The nevus may grow more hair than the surrounding skin. In some cases, acne develops within the nevus.[2]
Last updated: 9/15/2016
Becker's nevus typically does not require treatment except for cosmetic reasons - primarily excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) and hyperpigmentation.[3]

Treatment has always been challenging, often using lasers with mixed results.[5] Q-switched ruby laser has been used with variable success in the treatment of both the hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation.[3] Hypertrichosis may also be improved by laser-assisted hair removal or by electrolysis.[1][2] Hyperpigmentation may be lessened with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser or fractional resurfacing, although responses are variable and recurrence rates are high.[1] Acne that develops within the nevus can be treated with standard acne therapies.[2]

People with Becker's nevi should be examined for associated soft tissue and bony abnormalities.[1]

More detailed information about the treatment of Becker's nevus is available here on Medscape Reference's website. You may need to register to view this, but registration is free.
Last updated: 9/16/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Becker's nevus. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Becker's nevus. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information. Learn more about registries.

    Registries for Becker's nevus:
    The National Registry for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Disorders
     

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.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Becker's nevus. 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. Julie V Schaffer, Jean L Bolognia. Benign pigmented skin lesions other than melanocytic nevi (moles). UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; August, 2016;
  2. Vanessa Ngan. Becker naevus. DermNet NZ. 2003; http://www.dermnet.org.nz/lesions/beckers-naevus.html.
  3. Jason K. Rivers. Becker Melanosis. Medscape Reference. June 3, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1068257-overview.
  4. Wilson H. Y. Lo. Becker Nevus Syndrome. OMIM. May 4, 2000; http://omim.org/entry/604919.
  5. Momen S, Mallipeddi R, Al-Niaimi F. The use of lasers in Becker's naevus: An evidence-based review. J Cosmet Laser Ther. August, 2016; 18(4):188-192.