EARLY CURETTAGE OF GIANT CONGENITAL NEVI IN CHILDREN

Early curettage of giant congenital naevi in new-born infants, if perf ormed during the first few weeks after birth, can have a substantial e ffect on the pigmentation of the lesions, reducing the number of pigme nted cells and leaving only moderate scars. We describe our experience in a series of nine congenital naevi treated by curettage between the first and seventh week after birth. Histological changes that occur i n the naevus during the first few days after birth mean that early tre atment is needed to obtain a cosmetic improvement. Curettage as an ear ly treatment for giant congenital naevi in new-born infants provides c osmetic improvement and might decrease the risk of malignancy; however , the lesions are not cured. Naevus cells persist in the deep dermal l ayers and may come to the surface, such that close monitoring is neede d long after curettage. The cosmetic improvement is likely to benefit the child's psychological development.