Background Acquired cerebriform intradermal naevus (CIN) is a rare form of pseudo cutis verticis gyrata. Case report A case of acquired CIN of the scalp in a 46-year-old male patient is presented. The clinical and histopathological presentations of CIN are described and the therapeutic possibilities are discussed. Conclusions In each individual case the physician must decide whether to do surgery or follow a wait-and-see policy. There is little risk of malignant change of CIN, and surgical excision of such lesions often involves evident mutilation.