Melanocytic nevi in very young children: the role of phenotype, sun exposure, and sun protection.
BACKGROUND
Melanocytic nevi are strongly associated with cutaneous melanoma, yet little is known about factors influencing nevus development in the first years of life.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to identify phenotypic and environmental factors associated with nevus counts in very young children.


METHODS
In a cluster prevalence survey, full body nevus counts and phenotypic assessments were conducted on 193 children aged 1 to 3 years. Information on each child's sun exposure and sun protection practices was obtained through parental questionnaire.


RESULTS
High total nevus counts were associated with heavy facial freckling, time spent outdoors on weekends in summer, and Caucasian ethnicity. Low nevus counts were associated with dark skin color, ability to tan, and frequent application of sunscreen. Frequent wearing of hats was specifically associated with low nevus counts on the face, but not at other sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Nevi are common at a very young age among children in Queensland, Australia, and are associated with sun exposure and freckling. Diligent sun protection practices appear to reduce nevus burden, even after accounting for the effects of phenotype and sun exposure factors. Primary prevention strategies aimed at reducing sun exposure in very early life may be effective in reducing nevus prevalence and melanoma risk.
Whiteman
David C
DC
Division of Population Studies and Human Genetics, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland 4029 Australia. daveW@qimr.edu.au <daveW@qimr.edu.au>
Brown
Robyn M
RM
Purdie
David M
DM
Hughes
Maria-Celia
MC
D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D010858:Pigmentation; D015995:Prevalence; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013472:Sunlight; D013473:Sunscreening Agents
D013473:Sunscreening Agents