An Italian prospective, case-control study investigated the possible relationship between psoriasis and melanocytic nevi. The sample comprised 93 adults with psoriasis and 174 adult age-matched controls. Patients with psoriasis had a lower number of nevi areas versus controls (P < 0.0001). No case of squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma was seen in the psoriasis group. However, 8% of the controls (vs. 0% of patients) had a family history of melanoma (P < 0.05). Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression levels were increased in the psoriatic group and it is possible that these proinflammatory cytokines may inhibit melanocytic progression to nevi (Balato, N. et al. Br J Dermatol 2011, 164: 1262).