Spinal cord defect affecting the skin (Q66665)

Abnormalities of spinal cord development may present with signs in the skin, particularly in the lumbosacral area: these include lipomas, port-wine stains, haemangiomas, ‘faun tail’ hypertrichosis and giant congenital melanocytic naevi. These should prompt consideration of imaging to ensure that any intervention to prevent neurological damage is undertaken. If the spinal cord is damaged from whatever cause, the lower extremities tend to be cold and cyanosed and skin injuries are slow to heal.