Last updated: September 2024
Also known as: Acquired Naevus of Ota-like Macules (ABNOM) and Naevus Fusco-caeruleus Zygomaticus
What is Hori’s naevus?
Hori’s Naevus presents as benign (harmless) blue-grey to grey-brown patchy and spotty pigmentation on the prominence of the cheeks.
Who gets Hori’s naevus?
The condition usually appears in adulthood. It is most common in middle-aged Asian women.
What causes Hori’s naevus?
Genetics and hormones play a role in the development of Hori’s Naevus.
In normal skin, melanin-producing pigment cells (melanocytes) are present only in the upper layer of skin (the epidermis) and hair follicles. However, when these cells are present in the underlying area of skin (the dermis) it causes a condition known as dermal melanocytosis. Dermal melanocytosis is a spectrum of conditions and includes Mongolian spots, naevus of Ota, Hori’s Naevus and naevus of Ito.
When melanin is present more deeply in the skin, it results in the perceived colour changes from black-brown to blue-grey.
What does Hori’s naevus look like?
Hori’s Naevus presents as bilateral and symmetrical small, greyish-brown to blue-grey spots on the prominence of the cheeks and less often the temples, nose, eyelids and forehead.
Figure 1. Hori’s naevus on upper cheeks. Image reproduced with permission of A/Prof Phil Bekhor
How is Hori’s naevus diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on clinical examination. However, in rare cases a skin biopsy is needed.
The condition can sometimes be misdiagnosed as it may resemble or coexist with melasma.
How is Hori’s naevus treated?
Treatment options will vary depending on the individual and their needs.
Some individuals may consider treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Most individuals report good results following laser therapy. Various pigmentation lasers can be used such as Q-Switched (nanosecond) or Pico-second lasers. Multiple laser treatment sessions usually required and temporary tanning of the skin (post-inflammatory pigmentation) can complicate treatment. However, this usually settles over time. The risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation may increase if melasma is present. It is important that the melasma also receives medical attention.
What is the likely outcome of Hori’s naevus?
Hori’s naevus is benign and asymptomatic. It persists for life without treatment.
| Dr Davin Lim and Dr Heba Jibreal | September 2024 |
| Dr Davin Lim and Dr Heba Jibreal | March 2016 |
