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linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis

The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) does not endorse the information presented. The content has been gathered in partnership with the MONDO Disease Ontology. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.

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Disease Overview

Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis (LWNH) is a rare skin condition characterized by swirling streaks of hyperpigmented (darkened) skin. The pigmentation follows the lines of Blashko and is mainly located on the trunk and limbs. It is present at birth or appears in the first few weeks of life. It typically progresses for one to two years and then stabilizes. Hyperpigmentation is usually the only symptom but there are isolated reports of other symptoms, involving mostly the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and heart. While most cases of LWNH are sporadic, apparent genetic transmission rarely has been described. A few people with LWNH have been diagnosed with chromosomal mosaicism.

Synonyms

  • Becker Nevus
  • Becker's Nevus
  • LWNH
  • hyperpigmentation, progressive cribriform and zosteriform
  • linear and whorled hypermelanosis
  • linear papular ectodermal-mesodermal hamartoma
  • melanosis Neviformis
  • nevoid hypermelanosis, linear and whorled
  • pigmented hairy Epidermal Nevus
  • pigmented hairy Nevus of Becker
  • progressive cribriform and zosteriform hyperpigmentation
  • reticulate hyperpigmentation of Iijima
  • zebra-like hyperpigmentation
  • zosteriform hyperpigmentation
  • zosteriform lentiginous nevus
GARD Disease Summary

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) has information and resources for patients, caregivers, and families that may be helpful before and after diagnosis of this condition. GARD is a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Orphanet

Orphanet has a summary about this condition that may include information on the diagnosis, care, and treatment as well as other resources. Some of the information and resources are available in languages other than English. The summary may include medical terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. Orphanet is the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research and the Health Programme of the European Union.

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OMIM

Online Mendelian Inheritance In Man (OMIM) has a summary of published research about this condition and includes references from the medical literature. The summary contains medical and scientific terms, so we encourage you to share and discuss this information with your doctor. OMIM is authored and edited at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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