Final answer:
Nevus Vasculosus, or Strawberry Mark, is a raised, red skin lesion composed of dilated blood vessels, present at birth and tends to fade over time. It is important to differentiate it from conditions like melanoma, which has potentially dangerous features described by the ABCDE mnemonic, and other skin diseases like vitiligo and petechiae.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a Nevus Vasculosus, commonly known as a Strawberry Mark, include the following:
- Composed of dilated blood vessels which give it a red or strawberry color.
- Present at birth and tend to fade over time, usually disappearing by age 10.
- It is raised above the skin and has a soft, spongy texture.
- Most commonly found on the head, neck, and trunk, rather than extremities.
It is important to differentiate a Strawberry Mark from other skin conditions. For instance, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that often presents as a large brown or black patch with uneven borders and a raised surface. It may have asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, and be larger than 6 mm - these are signs remembered by the ABCDE mnemonic. Unlike Strawberry Marks, which fade over time, melanoma is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Vitiligo is another skin condition characterized by depigmentation resulting in lighter colored patches of the skin, and petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These conditions are distinct from Nevus Vasculosus and require their respective diagnostic and treatment approach.