Complex Cutis Aplasia

Also known as: cutis aplasia, aplasia cutis congenita.

What is complex cutis aplasia?

Complex cutis aplasia is a disorder where skin is missing from a portion of the scalp in one or more areas. It occurs at birth in rare cases in some infants.

What causes complex cutis aplasia?

In most cases, there is no identifiable cause for cutis aplasia. In some cases, cutis aplasia is a genetic disorder that can be passed along from parents to their children.

What are the symptoms of complex cutis aplasia?

The symptoms of complex cutis aplasia can range in presentation and severity. Some openings can be small and only involve the upper layer of skin, while others can be large and involve missing skin, soft tissue and even a portion of the skull, leaving the brain exposed. There can also be associated bleeding.

What are complex cutis aplasia care options?

Small areas can often be managed with wound care alone. Larger cases of complex cutis aplasia, or those with bleeding, may require emergency surgical intervention to prevent complications.

Reviewed by: Chad A Perlyn, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:29 PM