Spitz and Reed nevi: acquired or congenital?

Although conflicting with the concept of nevi being hamartomas, to date, Spitz and Reed nevi have been regarded as acquired melanocytic nevi, whereas many other types have already been accepted as being congenital. Here, the reader will find a survey on clinical, dermatoscopic and histopathologic clues suggesting a congenital origin of authentic Spitz nevi. Relevant differences in respect to Reed nevi are pointed out.