What is a Nevus?
Nevus is a medical term for birthmark or mole. A nevus is the most common skin abnormality, generally appearing as a darken spot anywhere on the body. Nevi serve no apparent function and are generally harmless. Nevomelanocytes are pigment producing cells usually evenly distributed in human skin. In the area of a nevus, these cells are found in large concentration or grouped together. This creates the dark color or spot on the skin. Nevi range in color from a light tan to almost black depending on the type and pigment concentration. The skin of a nevus can be different than the rest of the body’s skin. In addition to more pigment, some types of nevi produce more hair. The formation of a nevus can disturb the production of sweat glands hindering the affected area’s ability to sweat. They often lack subcutaneous fat which makes the skin thinner and less durable. Sometimes a nevus produces thicker or rough pebble textured skin. A nevus present at birth is congenital, often called a birthma
