Link to TV News story from 2006 Nevus Conference

I was born with a very rare form of birthmark commonly referred to as a “Bathing Trunk Mole” since it is most often found around the waist. It is also known as a Giant Hairy Congenital Nevus. Mine is on my left arm and extends from my shoulder to my forearm. The skin isn’t as strong as normal skin and therefore it bleeds easily. I have quite a collection of scars to prove it. If you had/have a large nevus I would love to hear from you. I would often forget that I have it and when I go out in public would wonder why everyone was looking at me. Then I’d remember and stop worrying if I had food on my shirt or something. I have always dealt with it rather well. I have been asked more times than I can count what it is. If you know anyone who is interested in doing research on new types of growing skin or wanting to get a bunch of nevus cells to study, I will be as helpful as I can. I was born with 7 that are at least 4 cm across and a lot of smaller moles, often referred to as satellites.

I have put together a list of answers to commonly asked questions about my birthmark.
10. I have had it all my life, hence the term BIRTHmark..
9. No, it doesn’t hurt.
8. The doctors say that somewhere in the middle of my first trimester the cells that determine skin pigment and so on, were very late.
7. It feels kinda bumpy.
6. I have to wear sunscreen and keep it covered up because of the risk factors for melanoma.
5. It goes all the way up to my shoulder and surrounds my arm.
4. Yes it can be removed, but it’s expensive.
3. I’m not sure why it’s hairy, though I do shave it
2. No it’s not a burn.
1. No! You can’t have it. It’s Mine! (heheh)

Here is a F.A.Q. for parents

— Here are a few birthmark links —

[NWC]