A case of linear epidermal naevus presenting as genital warts – a cautionary tale

Linear epidermal naevus (LEN) in the genital area is quite rare. It may present at birth or appear later on in life, in infancy or childhood and occasionally for the first time in adult life. There are several variants of epidermal naevi (EN), which, to the less experienced, can be mistaken for warts. When extensive, it can be associated with abnormalities in other organ systems (epidermal naevus syndrome). The definitive treatment of LEN is surgical ablation with excision of underlying dermis, but this frequently leads to scarring. Laser therapy is an alternative treatment modality and good results have been shown. We report an unusual case of LEN in the genital area in a 60-year-old man presenting as genital warts.