Skip to main content

Becker's naevus

Medical Professionals

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

Synonyms: Becker melanosis, pigmented hairy naevus of Becker

Continue reading below

What is Becker's naevus?

Becker's naevus is a form of epidermal naevus (birthmark). It usually appears around puberty as a hyperpigmented patch, most often found on the upper trunk or shoulders.1 2 3

See also the article on Epidermal Naevus and its Syndromes.

Becker's naevus on shoulder

Becker's naevus on shoulder


Jmarchn, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Aetiology1

There is overgrowth of the epidermis (upper layers of the skin), pigment cells (melanocytes) and hair follicles. It may be due to a gene defect (as yet unidentified), perhaps triggered by circulating androgens, which would explain its onset during adolescence.

Continue reading below

How common is Becker's naevus? (Epidemiology)1

  • More common in males (ratio of 5:1). The estimated prevalence among males is 1 in 200.

  • Can occur in all skin types.

  • Usually presents in the second or third decade of life.

Becker's naevus symptoms (presentation)1 2

  • A large brown area, sometimes covering half the upper back or chest. Most lesions become hairy (hypertrichosis).

  • After puberty it often becomes darker and expands, usually over a period of 1-2 years.

  • Occasionally acne may develop in the naevus.

  • Some fading (reduced pigmentation) may occur in adulthood.

  • One case of bilateral, symmetrical pigmentation is reported - this is unusual.3

Continue reading below

Diagnosis

The age of onset, site and the fixed nature of the lesion are usually enough to make the diagnosis. Biopsy may occasionally be needed.

Differential diagnosis1

Histology3 4

  • Epidermis: acanthosis and hyperpigmentation of the basal layer, with elongation and fusion of adjacent rete ridges and variable hyperkeratosis.

  • Dermis: hyperplasia of the dermal smooth muscle and melanophages.

Becker's naevus treatment and management1

  • No treatment is necessary except for cosmetic reasons; usually reassurance and a diagnosis are enough.

  • For cosmetic treatment of the lesion:

    • Electrolysis or laser treatment may help with hair removal.

    • Laser treatment can sometimes reduce the pigmentation, but may be ineffective or may worsen the lesion.

    • Fractional resurfacing has also been used to lighten the lesions.3

  • For acne in the lesion, use standard acne treatments.

  • If there is doubt about the diagnosis (eg possible melanoma), urgent referral is appropriate.

Prognosis

The naevus remains indefinitely. There are no reports of Becker naevi undergoing malignant changes.5

Becker naevus syndrome5 6

Becker's naevus syndrome is a type of epidermal naevus syndrome. It is characterised by the presence of a Becker's naevus with ipsilateral breast hypoplasia or hypoplastic defects of the muscle, skin, or skeleton.

The naevus usually consists of a circumscribed, unilateral, irregularly shaped hyperpigmented macule, commonly occurring around the anterior upper trunk, with/without hypertrichosis and/or acneiform lesions.

Other features may include:

  • Supernumerary nipple.

  • Loss of subcutaneous fat

  • Loss of axillary hair

  • Musculoskeletal abnormalities and asymmetry.

Further reading and references

  1. Becker Naevus; DermNet. July 2022.
  2. Becker's Naevus, DermIS (Dermatology Information System)
  3. Grim KD, Wasko CA; Symmetrical bilateral Becker melanosis: A rare presentation. Dermatol Online J. 2009 Dec 15;15(12):1.
  4. Cosendey FE, Martinez NS, Bernhard GA, et al; Becker nevus syndrome. An Bras Dermatol. 2010 Jun;85(3):379-84.
  5. Epidermal naevus syndromes; DermNet.
  6. Chikani UN, Ohuche IN, Bisi-Onyemaechi AI; Becker's nevus syndrome: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2021 Aug 9;15(1):395. doi: 10.1186/s13256-021-02996-y.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

flu eligibility checker

Are you protected against flu?

See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free