Meyerson’s birthmark, also called ‘Meyerson’s phenomenon’, indicates a birthmark around which an eczema reaction has developed. This may cause the area to itch a bit. This skin condition was first described by Meyerson in 1971.¹ Meyerson’s birthmark has not been widely described in the literature. Nevertheless, it is not a rare phenomenon.
- What is a Meyerson’s birthmark?
- Who does it occur to?
- Cause of a mole with eczema reaction
- As yet unknown
- Triggering factors
- Symptoms of a Meyerson’s birthmark
- Examination and diagnosis
- Treatment of a Meyerson’s birthmark
What is a Meyerson’s birthmark?
Meyerson’s birthmark indicates a sometimes itchy, eczematous reaction usually surrounding a pre-existing melanocytic nevus. A melanocytic nevus is the medical term for a birthmark, which is a benign accumulation of pigment cells in the skin. Birthmarks can be present from birth or develop during life, called ‘congenital birthmarks’ and ‘acquired birthmarks’ respectively.
Who does it occur to?
The terms “aureole dermatitis” and “Meyerson’s phenomenon” are also commonly used to describe it. Meyerson’s birthmark most commonly appears in otherwise healthy young men (under 30 years of age), but it has also been reported in women and young children.² The male-to-female ratio is 3:1. It can also occur in patients with eczema and other atopic conditions (these are asthma and hay fever).
Cause of a mole with eczema reaction
As yet unknown
The cause of Meyerson’s birthmark is unknown as of 2023. The skin is slightly inflamed, as is also seen with psoriasis and eczema (eczema is an inflammation of the skin). Excision of the central mole also removes the eczema reaction, leading to the suspicion that the mole is related to the eczema reaction. This is possibly caused by immune cells (CD4 lymphocytes) that respond to antigens (a molecule capable of eliciting a response from the immune system) located in the birthmark (these are the melanocytes, the pigment cells that make pigment granules). .
Sunscreen / Source: Istock.com/mofles
Triggering factors
Two factors mentioned in the literature that can trigger Meyerson’s birthmark are:
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (e.g. severe sunburn);
- Interferon alfa-2b (Meyerson’s birthmark may develop in patients with Behçet’s disease treated with this drug).
Symptoms of a Meyerson’s birthmark
Besides mild itching (itchy mole), usually no other symptoms occur. A Meyerson’s mole is usually an eczema reaction to one mole, but it can also occur in multiple moles at the same time. Usually you see a centrally located mole with regular borders and a uniform color. This is surrounded by a red, dry or scaly rash that may or may not be itchy. The birthmark in the center of the halo is rarely malignant (melanoma).
Examination and diagnosis
The GP or dermatologist can often make the diagnosis ‘by eye’, as the characteristics are clear. Meyerson’s birthmark can be confused with a halo nevus or halo birthmark, also called ‘Sutton’s nevus’ or ‘target birthmark’. When making a differential diagnosis, halo nevus, pityriasis rosea, and roseola consistent with stage 2 syphilis should be considered.
Melanoma / Source: National Cancer Institute, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Treatment of a Meyerson’s birthmark
The eczema around Meyerson’s birthmark usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. If necessary, the eczema can be treated with topical corticosteroid cream or ointment for several days or weeks. The central nevus remains unchanged. If the nevus is harmless (often it is a benign mole of the so-called ‘compound type’), it does not need to be removed. Surgical excision may be considered if melanoma is suspected, if the remaining mole still appears troubled or if the symptoms are bothersome.
Notes:
- Meyerson L.B. A peculiar papulosquamous eruption involving pigmented nevi. Arch Dermatol 1971; 103:510–512.
- Shifer O, Tchetchik R, Glazer O, Metzker A. Halo dermatitis in children. Pediatr Dermatol 1992; 9:275–277.
read more
- Halo birthmark (halo nevus): symptoms and treatment
- Blue birthmark (blue nevus): causes and treatment
- Spitz nevus: benign pink-red birthmark in children
- Recognizing a malignant birthmark, what are the characteristics?
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