Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus

Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) is a type of skin overgrowth, called epidermal nevus. It is characterized by skin colored, brown, or reddish, wart-like papules (nevi). The nevi join to form patches or plaques that often follow a pattern on the skin known as the "lines of Blaschko". The affected areas of the skin may be red, itchy, and inflamed. ILVEN typically presents from birth to early childhood and often is limited to one side of the lower half of the body. It affects females more often than males. It usually occurs alone; however, rarely ILVEN can be associated with other symptoms as part of an epidermal nevus syndrome. Rarely, ILVEN can become cancerous (for example, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma).

ILVEN is caused by a genetic change that occurs after conception (somatic mutation). How this alteration leads to the signs and symptoms of ILVEN is not well understood. There is no one treatment or cure for ILVEN. Products used to soften the skin (emollients), moisturizers, and topical steroids may be utilized to relieve symptoms of dryness and itching. Recently, several patients have been treated with laser therapy with good results.