An epidermal naevus is due to excessive growth of the cells in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). It often has a linear pattern and occurs from childhood. This is a benign condition and is not cancerous.
Treatment of epidermal naevus is mainly by surgical excision or laser or electrosurgical ablation of the naevus. Surgical excision is the most definitive treatment by will leave a line scar.
Laser or electrosurgical ablation of the naevus can also be considered. This involves burning off the top layer of the skin. However, there is higher risk of recurrence of the epidermal naevus with this treatment.
