ILVEN – inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus
ILVEN — inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (mini-section)
- Definition: blaschko-linear, inflammatory verrucous epidermal nevus; unlike the bland verrucous nevus it stays persistently inflamed and is intensely itchy.
- Clinical features: unilateral, streaky, erythematosquamous psoriasiform papules and plaques along Blaschko's lines, preferentially on one lower limb; onset usually in the first years of life.
- Histology: psoriasiform acanthosis with alternating ortho- and parakeratotic columns, the granular layer absent beneath the parakeratosis.
- DD: lichen striatus (little or no pruritus, spontaneous regression within months), linear lichen planus, linear psoriasis, verrucous epidermal nevus (non-inflammatory).
- Therapy: no established therapy — the course is chronic and treatment-refractory. Attempted options are topical corticosteroids (also under occlusion or intralesional), calcipotriol, topical retinoids and ablative laser; the only option with a prospect of permanent cure is complete excision.
Differential diagnoses
- Lichen striatus
- Linear lichen planus
- Psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis)
- Porokeratosis
- Incontinentia pigmenti
Practise ILVEN – inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus in the app
Flashcards with spaced repetition, exam questions and spot-the-diagnosis on this topic – in DermaFuchs, free of charge.
In the DermaFuchs app: 5 flashcards · 2 clinical images
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Note: This page is intended for medical education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment decisions in individual cases. Treatment and follow-up content is available in the app.