Newborn baby sleeping peacefully with gentle light, symbolizing hope and healing from Aplasia Cutis Congenita.

Aplasia Cutis Congenita: Understanding and Managing Scalp Abnormalities in Infants

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for Aplasia Cutis Congenita, a rare skin condition affecting newborns."

Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) is a rare condition where a newborn is missing skin at birth. While it can occur anywhere on the body, the scalp is the most common location. This absence of skin can appear in various forms, from small, single lesions to larger, more widespread areas. Understanding ACC is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to ensure proper diagnosis and management.

Recently, a case involving a 22-day-old boy highlighted a unique presentation of ACC. The infant presented with multiple alopecic lesions (areas of hair loss) featuring slightly tense bullae (blisters) arranged linearly on his parietal scalp. This particular arrangement along Blaschko's lines—patterns in the skin reflecting epidermal cell migration—makes this case especially noteworthy.

This article will delve into the specifics of ACC, exploring its causes, diagnosis, and available treatment options. We aim to provide clear and accessible information to help families and caregivers navigate this rare condition with confidence.

What Causes Aplasia Cutis Congenita?

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully with gentle light, symbolizing hope and healing from Aplasia Cutis Congenita.

The exact cause of ACC is not fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of several factors. These include:

While ACC is typically not caused by one single factor, the following are believed to be some risk factors:

Genetic Factors: Some cases of ACC are linked to genetic mutations, suggesting a hereditary component.
Teratogens: Exposure to certain drugs or substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of ACC. These substances are known as teratogens.
Vascular Compromise: Problems with blood supply to the developing skin may lead to ACC.
Trauma: In rare instances, trauma to the fetus during development might contribute to ACC.

It's important to remember that in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Ongoing research continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

Living with Aplasia Cutis Congenita

While the diagnosis of Aplasia Cutis Congenita can be unsettling, understanding the condition and available management options can empower families to provide the best possible care for their child. Regular consultations with a dermatologist and other specialists are essential to monitor the affected area and address any potential complications. With proper care and support, children with ACC can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/1346-8138.13972, Alternate LINK

Title: Case Of Linear Bullous Aplasia Cutis Congenita

Subject: Dermatology

Journal: The Journal of Dermatology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Hyuck Sun Kwon, Ji Hae Lee, Jung Min Bae, Gyong Moon Kim

Published: 2017-08-24

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Aplasia Cutis Congenita?

Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) is a rare condition present at birth where a newborn is missing skin. It most commonly occurs on the scalp but can appear anywhere on the body. The extent of missing skin can vary, ranging from small, single lesions to larger, more widespread areas. Early recognition and understanding of ACC are essential for appropriate care and management.

What causes Aplasia Cutis Congenita?

While the exact cause of Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) is not fully understood, it is thought to be a multifactorial condition. Several factors may contribute, including genetic mutations, exposure to teratogens (harmful substances) during pregnancy, vascular compromise (problems with blood supply during development), and, in rare cases, trauma to the fetus. In many instances, the specific cause remains unknown, highlighting the need for ongoing research.

How is Aplasia Cutis Congenita diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) typically involves a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. The missing skin at birth, often on the scalp, is a primary indicator. A detailed examination helps determine the type and extent of the condition. In some cases, further diagnostic testing or consultation with specialists may be needed to rule out other conditions or identify potential underlying causes or associated syndromes. The unique presentation of lesions arranged along Blaschko's lines can also aid in diagnosis.

What are the treatments for Aplasia Cutis Congenita?

While there is no cure for Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC), management strategies focus on protecting the affected area and preventing complications. Treatment options depend on the size and location of the missing skin. Small lesions may heal on their own with conservative wound care, while larger defects may require surgical intervention, such as skin grafting. Regular monitoring by a dermatologist and other specialists is crucial to address any potential issues and ensure optimal healing. The goal is to promote healthy development and improve the child's overall quality of life.

What are teratogens and how are they related to Aplasia Cutis Congenita?

Teratogens are substances that can cause abnormalities in a developing fetus. Exposure to certain teratogens during pregnancy is considered a potential risk factor for Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC). These substances can interfere with normal skin development, leading to the absence of skin at birth, which characterizes ACC. Identifying and avoiding exposure to known teratogens during pregnancy is crucial for minimizing the risk of various congenital conditions, including ACC.