Clinical and Histopathological Insights into Adult-Onset Unilateral Nevus of Ota

Dermal melanocytoses are characterised by the presence of spindle-shaped melanocytes in the dermis. The common forms, such as Mongolian spots, and nevi of Ota or Ito, present from birth or puberty, while acquired dermal melanocytoses appear in adulthood and are rare. They are frequently misdiagnosed as lichen planus pigmentosus or melasma leading to delay in treatment. This study reports five cases of acquired unilateral nevus of Ota from India, with an analysis of their dermoscopic and histopathological features.