Which characteristic helps distinguish a congenital nevus from café-au-lait macules?

Which characteristic helps distinguish a congenital nevus from café-au-lait macules?

• A. Location on the face
• B. Color uniformity
• C. Size
• D. Presence of hair within the lesion

Answer: (C)

Size is the most useful clue here. Café-au-lait macules are flat, uniformly pigmented patches that are usually small and remain limited in area, often appearing at birth or in early childhood. Congenital nevi, by contrast, are present at birth and can range from small to very large, frequently occupying a larger surface area than typical café-au-lait patches. Because the size difference tends to be the most consistent and observable distinction, it best separates congenital nevi from café-au-lait macules. Hair within the lesion can occur with nevi, but size provides the more reliable cue.

Size is the most useful clue here. Café-au-lait macules are flat, uniformly pigmented patches that are usually small and remain limited in area, often appearing at birth or in early childhood. Congenital nevi, by contrast, are present at birth and can range from small to very large, frequently occupying a larger surface area than typical café-au-lait patches. Because the size difference tends to be the most consistent and observable distinction, it best separates congenital nevi from café-au-lait macules. Hair within the lesion can occur with nevi, but size provides the more reliable cue.