nevus of Ota

Introduction

Mottled, blue-brown hyperpigmentation generally involving the skin & mucous membrane innervated by the 1st & 2nd branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Etiology

• blue hue results from ectopic melanocytes in dermis, hard palate, conjunctivae, sclerae & tympanic membranes
• may be congenital, but is not hereditary

Epidemiology

• very common disorder in Asians (1% in Japan)
• has been reported in East Indians, blacks & rarely whites

Clinical manifestations

• blue-gray hyperpigmentation because pigment is dermal rather than epidermal
• distribution: skin & mucous membrane innervated by the 1st & second branch of the trigeminal nerve
• may be congenital, but generally appears during childhood or puberty & remains for life

Complications

melanoma is rare

Management

• laser therapy

More general terms

• melanocytic nevus (mole)