What causes ILVEN?
ILVEN is caused by a genetic change that occurs after conception ( somatic mutation ). How this alteration leads to the signs and symptoms of ILVEN is not well understood. There is no one treatment or cure for ILVEN.
What is ILVEN disease?
Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is a type of skin overgrowth, called epidermal nevus. It is characterized by skin colored, brown, or reddish, wart-like papules (nevi). The nevi join to form patches or plaques that often follow a pattern on the skin known as the “lines of Blaschko“.
Is ILVEN rare?
Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus (ILVEN) is a rare skin disease that appears as a kind of overgrowth on the skin.
What are the lines of blaschko?
Blaschko lines are consistently V-shaped on the upper spine, S-shaped on the abdomen, inverted U-shaped from the breast area to the upper arm, and perpendicular down the front and back of the lower extremities. They never cross the anterior truncal midline but run along it.
What causes epidermal nevus syndrome?
Most epidermal nevus syndromes are thought to be caused by a gene mutation that occurs after fertilization of the embryo (postzygotic mutation), at an early stage of embryonic development. Affected individuals have some cells with a normal copy of this gene and some cells with the abnormal gene (mosaic pattern).
What is Beckers nevus?
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.
What causes skin nevus?
These marks are thought to be caused by a localized increase in melanocytes as a baby grows in the womb. Melanocytes are the skin cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. A nevus has an increased amount of melanocytes. The condition is thought to be caused by a gene defect.
What does inflammatory linear epidermal nevus ( ILVEN ) look like?
Summary Summary. Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is a type of skin overgrowth, called epidermal nevus. It is characterized by skin colored, brown, or reddish, wart-like papules (nevi).
How are skin lesions caused by ILVEN treated?
If skin lesions caused by ILVEN are small, then they may be surgically excised. Larger skin lesions are typically treated using CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser surgery A team of healthcare providers is usually necessary to properly treat the condition, if ILVEN is part of a syndrome.
What are the side effects of inflammatory linear verrucous nevus?
Individuals with Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus may develop certain complications, such as: Some lesions are potentially pre-malignant and can become cancerous, if left untreated. Skin infections have also been noted in patients with ILVEN. Complications may also arise during treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of epidermal nevi?
Signs & Symptoms. Generally, epidermal nevi on the head and face are more likely to be associated with malformations of the brain, eyes and cranial bones. Epidermal nevi on the trunk are more likely to be associated with abnormal curvature of the spine, hip malformation and deformities of the arms and legs.