There are no specific laboratory abnormalities consistently found in this condition. Abnormalities due to associated conditions may be present. Skin histology varies according to the depth of the aplasia and its duration. At birth, ulcerated lesions may show complete absence of skin. After healing, the epidermis may appear flattened with a proliferation of fibroblasts within the connective tissue stroma.
Local therapy includes gentle cleansing and bland ointment to prevent desiccation of the defect.
Antibiotics are only indicated if overt signs of infection are noted. Other treatment is rarely necessary since the erosions and ulcerations almost always heal spontaneously. Surgical repair of large or multiple scalp defects may require excision with primary closure, if feasible, or the use of tissue expanders and rotation of a flap to fill the defect. Occasionally patients have required skin grafting. Truncal and limb defects, despite large size, usually epithelialize and form atrophic scars, which can later be revised if necessary.