A hairy nevus that reaches or exceeds 8 inches in diameter by adulthood is called a giant congenital hairy nevus. Larger hairy nevi do have a higher risk of skin cancer, but it’s important not to jump to conclusions before you’ve seen a doctor to diagnose and test the nevi.

In most cases, a hairy nevus is nothing to worry about, however, seeking out medical advice is always the best course of action. A biopsy will most likely be recommended to rule out any potentially cancerous cells.

In minor cases, lasers or dermabrasion can be used to remove the nevus or improve its appearance. In most cases, hairy nevi can be treated with a very straightforward, routine surgical removal. In rare cases, a hairy nevus may need to be removed in several stages.