Frequency and distribution pattern of melanocytic naevi in Estonian children and the influence of atopic dermatitis

• Background: There is a strong correlation between naevus number and prospective melanoma risk. Melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Estonia and primary prevention programmes for melanoma that target risk behaviour in the sun have so far not been launched. Methods: The naevus profile was examined in 549/700 9-year-old Estonian children (282 boys and 267 girls) and the presence of active atopic dermatitis (AD) was registered. Results: There was a wide range of naevi (4-121) and a median total body count of 26. There was no difference in naevus count between boys and girls. No dysplastic naevi were found. Thirty-nine of 549 children (7%) had at least one lesion clinically diagnosed as a congenital naevus. Boys had more naevi on the face (median 4) and trunk (median 12) than girls (median 3 and 9, respectively, P < 0.001). Girls had more naevi on the legs compared with boys (median 4 and 3, respectively, P < 0.01). Fifty-four out of 549 (9.8%) had naevi on the palms and 18/549 (3.3%) on the soles. Children with fair skin, freckles and light hair and eye colours had significantly more naevi than those with darker colours. Thirty-one of 549 (6%) children had AD diagnosed on the examination day and they had a lower total naevus count (median 20) compared with children with no AD (median 27,n = 518, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The naevus situation in Estonian children today might constitute a starting point for evaluating the efficiency of coming preventive measures as a change of naevus number in children might serve as an early marker for a change in melanoma incidence. © 2006 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

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