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Hi, my 16 yr old son was just diagnosed with Becker's on the back of his upper arm. It is just the light brown pigmentation at this point and is about 4 in square.The dermatologist said to forget about it. But should we be watching it? Will it get bigger? Could he get it somewhere else too? He's right at the age now of being so concerned about his looks (and health). I was always careful with him in the sun, so I'm sure it isn't associated with the sun. He is fair and blonde with very little body hair. Do you think hair will grow there? Any info would be helpful for me and him. I'd like him to know what to expect and what can be done. Thanks.
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You can tell her that Richard Gere has a Beckers Nevus. He was voted People's Magazine Sexiest Man of the Year two times. felicity > wrote:
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I agree. Reconstructive surgery is so fantastic these days. And there is no reason she can't still be a model. My son always said (only 1/2 jokingly) that he wanted to be a model in GQ. When he was diagnosed, I told him if that's what he wanted, I saw no reason he still couldn't do it. Even if they never do modelling, I think the positive encouragement from friends and family will do wonders for their self-esteem and confidence. If they are not self-conscious or embarrassed, then those around them will soon forget about it too. My son has a friend who is albino, and one who is autistic (mildly) and he doesn't give it a thought. They are just his friends. But both his friends exude confidence and ease, which puts their friends at ease as well. Tell your daughter how beautiful she is again and again. And best of luck with the surgery.
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To akemmer,
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I too have a daughter inflicted by this. She is 14 and her "spot" as we
Good luck with your daughter. -----Original Message-----
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Thanks for your encouragement. I'll be sure to show him your message.
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Hi Felicity, I just wanted to provide some encouragement to your son. My boyfriend has Becker's on his shoulder blade/upper arm. He is very fair skinned with a darker spots/hair, so it is prominent. He also doesn't shave it b/c of ingrown hairs and infection. If it will make him feel better and less self conscious, please tell him that girls, and people in general, will not care one bit about it. (As his mom, I know you already know this, but sometimes it helps coming from a 25yr old woman) :) Good luck!
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Thanks, I have shown your messages to my son. I think he feels better knowing it is not life threatening and he's not alone. I do admit it would be much harder to deal with if he was a girl or if it was in a more highly visible spot. Right now it is rather light so he can just leave it alone, but if it begins to darken we will definitely try the Dermablend. And no hair has begun to grow. Thanks again.
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Hi there,
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Hi Mom! I don't usually respond to these posts but felt that I could relate and maybe be of assistance. I'm a bit older - 19 almost 20 - and was going through the same crisis when I was around 15, 16. From my understanding, the Becker's Nevus is just a birthmark- it's isn't a disease or a disorder, just something ugly. And I can definitely relate to your story because I know how it feels to be young and how this can effect your son's self-esteem. I am also blond, with very fair skin and little body hair. I think my case is even worse- I have a very large patch on my chest. I've been told that the nevus grows during puberty and just when you are growing which was concurrent with my case. I don't really remember it being a very big deal until my early teens. The area will get dark hairs. You can shave it, but it'll just grow back quicker. I know that the hair can be permanently removed if it will be a enough big concern for your son. I've seen many many doctors, have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars out of pocket because Becker's nevus is "cosmetic", and have just been told repeatedly to deal with it or forget about it. In this day and age, I really don't accept NO as an answer. I saw a very reputable laser dermatologist in my state who has had success in reducing the pigmentation, but however, the lasers had no effect on me. I'm getting a tattoo soon to try to make the pigmentation less noticeable :-P Hope this was of any help and feel free to reply.
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I will be out of the office November 8th to November 12th inclusive and will not be checking my messages while I am away. I KNOW I just returned from vacation - I am away on course in Vancouver for a few days...really! If you need to reach my office while I am away, please contact my assistance, Cory Gund, at or Thank you.
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