Acral Nevus
An acral nevus, also known as a melanocytic nevus of acral skin or a melanocytic nevus with intraepidermal ascent of cells, is a benign skin lesion found on the peripheral parts of the body. These lesions typically appear on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the fingers or toes.
Visually, an acral nevus is usually macular—meaning it is flat—or only slightly elevated. These lesions often present as uniform brown or dark brown spots and may feature characteristic linear striations, which are fine, parallel lines within the pigment.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Nature: A benign (non-cancerous) cutaneous condition.
- Location: Occurs on acral skin, specifically the palms, soles, fingers, and toes.
- Appearance: Typically flat or slightly raised, brown to dark brown, often with linear striations.
- Demographics: Found in all ethnic groups but more prevalent in individuals with darker skin.
- Age of Onset: Can occur at any age, though most commonly noticed between 10 and 30 years of age.
Prevalence and Demographics
While acral nevi can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, there is a direct correlation between the degree of skin pigmentation and the prevalence of these lesions. They are significantly more common in dark-skinned populations.
Research highlights a notable difference in occurrence rates between different ethnic groups. In one study, palmar or plantar nevi (lesions on the palms or soles) were detected in 42.0% of Black participants (50 out of 119) compared to 23.0% of White participants (79 out of 343).
The size of the lesions also varies by pigmentation levels. The same study found that palmar or plantar nevi with a diameter of 6 mm or larger were present in 3.4% of Black participants (4 out of 119) and 0.6% of White participants.
| Metric | Black Participants | White Participants |
|---|---|---|
| General Prevalence (Palmar/Plantar) | 42.0% (50/119) | 23.0% (79/343) |
| Prevalence of Lesions ≥ 6 mm | 3.4% (4/119) | 0.6% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an acral nevus?
An acral nevus is a benign melanocytic lesion that appears on the peripheral skin of the body, such as the palms, soles, fingers, or toes.
What do acral nevi look like?
They are generally flat (macular) or slightly raised spots that are brown or dark brown in color and often exhibit linear striations.
At what age do these lesions typically appear?
Although they can occur at any age in both children and adults, they are most frequently noticed between the ages of 10 and 30.
Are acral nevi more common in certain ethnic groups?
Yes, they occur in all ethnic groups but are more common in people with darker skin; prevalence increases with the degree of skin pigmentation.
Are acral nevi dangerous?
An acral nevus is characterized as a benign skin lesion.