At G Square Skin & Aesthetics, we believe that awareness is the first step toward care. Among the many congenital skin conditions seen in children, Nevus Sebaceous stands out as one that often causes concern for parents. While it may look unusual, in most cases, it is a benign and manageable condition when diagnosed and followed up correctly.
🔍 What Is a Nevus Sebaceous?
Nevus sebaceous (also known as organoid nevus or sebaceous nevus of Jadassohn) is a benign congenital hamartoma that involves the sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and epidermis.
It typically presents as a smooth, yellowish, hairless plaque on the scalp or face, and may become more raised or nodular during puberty due to hormonal changes.
📊 Epidemiology
Affects approximately 0.3% of newborns.
Occurs equally in both genders (slight female predominance in some studies).
The scalp is affected in nearly 60% of cases, followed by the face and neck.
Usually solitary, though multiple lesions may occur in rare syndromic conditions such as Schimmelpenning syndrome.
⚠️ Risk of Cancerous Change
While Nevus Sebaceous is usually harmless, one of the main reasons for medical attention is the possibility of secondary tumor formation, especially after puberty.
Benign Tumors:
Trichoblastoma
Syringocystadenoma papilliferum
Trichilemmoma
Malignant Tumors:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – rare, around 1% or less of all cases
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – extremely rare
🔸 Note: Older studies suggested a higher malignancy rate (10–20%), but modern research confirms that true malignant transformation is rare (<2%). Most lesions remain benign for life.
🩺 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the typical appearance of the lesion.
When in doubt, dermoscopy or biopsy (excisional/incisional) helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out secondary changes.
💡 Management and Follow-Up
Observation: For small, stable lesions in children, regular observation and periodic dermatological review are adequate.
Surgical Excision: Recommended if there is rapid growth, change in color, nodularity, ulceration, or for cosmetic improvement.
Ideally performed after puberty, unless there are suspicious features earlier.
Laser or Ablative Treatments: CO₂ laser or radiofrequency ablation may enhance appearance but may not completely remove all glandular elements.
👨⚕️ Key Takeaways from G Square Skin & Aesthetics
Nevus sebaceous is a congenital but mostly benign lesion.
Regular follow-up ensures early detection of any changes.
Parents are encouraged to seek early dermatological consultation for guidance on timing and management.
The risk of cancer is very low, but vigilance is essential.
🏥 Expert Care at G Square Skin & Aesthetics
At G Square Skin & Aesthetics, our team offers expert diagnosis, dermoscopic evaluation, and safe removal options for pediatric skin lesions like nevus sebaceous.
We prioritize precision, safety, and minimal scarring, ensuring comprehensive medical and aesthetic care for your child’s skin health.
📍 Visit Us: gsquareskinandaesthetics.in
👨⚕️ Consultant: Dr. Girishkumar M. Chalawadi, MBBS, MD, FRGUHS (Dermatosurgery)
💎 Expert in: Skin, Laser, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery