Inverse relation between density of nevi and terminal cutaneous hair

The dysplastic nevus syndrome (DNS) is characterized by excessive numbers of pigmented moles or birthmarks (nevi), six or more unusual nevi, and dysplasia, or abnormal tissue development, detected in at least one nevus. Patients with DNS may also have a history of multiple nevi or melanoma, a pigmented tumor that may or may not be malignant. Patients with DNS can be distinguished from normal subjects by the number of nevi. Recent studies suggest that patients with DNS have decreased hair density, and a reduced hair density may be a risk factor for dysplastic nevi. The relation between densities of terminal hair and nevi were assessed in 19 men participating in a DNS photographic registry and 22 normal subjects. Counting the exact number of hairs is tedious, and a standard grading scale for measuring terminal hair density was used. The terminal hair density was graded, or rated, at seven separate sites. The results showed that as terminal hair density decreased, the density of nevi increased in patients and normal subjects. Patients with DNS also had lower terminal hair density as compared with that of normal subjects. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)