Halo nevus is a nevus that is surrounded by a depigmentation ring or 'halo'.[ There may be one or, more typically, several.][ A single halo-nevus-like lesion appearing in an older adult may be a melanoma.][
]
It occurs in around 1% of the general population, and males and females are affected equally.[
]
Presentation
Halo nevi are also known as Sutton's nevi, or leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum.[ Halo nevi are named such because they are a mole (nevus) that is surrounded by an area of depigmentation that resembles a halo.
]
Halo nevi are associated with vitiligo. Sometimes the pale (hypopigmented) areas will spontaneously regress, and pigment returns.
Causes
The formation of a halo surrounding a nevi is believed to occur when certain white blood cells called CD8+ T lymphocytes destroy the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes).
Diagnosis
Treatment
As halo nevi are only of cosmetic significance, no treatment is required,
Epidemiology
Halo nevi are estimated to be present in approximately 1% of the general population and are found to be more prevalent in people with vitiligo, melanoma,[ or Turner syndrome.]
See also
-
Nevus
-
List of cutaneous conditions
External links
