| Synonyms: | Leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum of sutton |
| Halo nevus | |
| Field: | Dermatology |
Halo nevus is a mole that is surrounded by a pale ring or 'halo'.[1] It is generally noticed in the summer, when surrounding skin tans, and usually occurs on the chest, but can be anywhere.[1] There may be one or more typically several.[2] Onset is usually in teenagers and young adults.[1] [3] It typically follows a pattern of appearing at first as a dark mole surrounded by a halo before the nevus fades and disappears.[1] A single halo nevus like lesion appearing in an older adult may be a melanoma.[1]
It occurs in around 1% of general population, and males and females are affected equally.[1]
Halo nevi are also known as Sutton's nevi, or leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum.[2] 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.
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).[4] The cause for the attack is unknown.[5]
As halo nevi are only of cosmetic significance, no treatment is required,[6] and patients will be asymptomatic. Although halo nevi are harmless, it is important to monitor the lesion on regular basis.[7] Watch out for any changes in appearance of existing or new halo nevi. If there is any change in appearance or is associated with pain, itch, and infection, a doctor should be consulted immediately to exclude the possibility of melanoma.
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, malignant melanoma,[5] or Turner syndrome. All races and sexes are equally susceptible to this disease, although a familial tendency has been reported. The average age of onset is in a person's teenage years.