General reviews
ERUPTIVE MELANOCYTIC NEVI

Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN) is defined as the sudden development of multiple nevi during a variable time period

associated with different conditions. Most cases have been reported in the last 10 years, probably due to increased use of biological therapies and other immunosuppressants for the treatment of psoriasis, intestinal bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and hematologic malignancies and due to a rise in organ transplantation. Other associated conditions were also reported such as blistering diseases, solid organ malignancies, insulin therapy, use of a-MSH synthetic analogues, AIDS. The pathogenesis of eruptive melanocytic nevi is not completely understood. Several theories try to explain the mechanism that lead to the development of this condition: altered immune surveillance, genetic factors and a direct effect of medications. The evolution of EMN is mainly determined by the course of the underlying associated condition. Reports show that reverse of immunosuppression leads to a decrease in size and colour fading of the existing nevi. Lesions may also have the potential to evolve into dysplastic nevi, therefore long-term follow-up is recommended. Additional studies are required on this matter to better understand the prognosis and to develop a management strategy.