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Common skin conditions
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Brown skin colour is most often due to melanin, a protein produced in the epidermis by melanocytes. Various dermopathies have characteristic patterns of pigmentation.
For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
Name this/these brown-coloured skin patch/es.
Becker naevus
Describe the condition
Later in childhood, a larger irregular area of pigmentation may arise on one shoulder. This is a Becker naevus, also called Becker melanosis. It is more common in males, and often becomes hairy. It is an epidermal naevus so there is an increased number of keratinocytes as well as melanocytes.