Halo Nevus

Halo Nevus

I. Definition:

A halo nevus is a mole that is pink or brown surrounded by an area of white or light skin. The halo is depigmented which means it has lost the normal skin pigment or color. Halo nevi are usually seen in young people. The mole portion tends to flatten and may disappear completely. The white area may stay if the mole disappears, or the normal skin color may return. Halo nevi are not dangerous or contagious, but they are sometimes a sign that something is wrong with the skin.

II. Causes:

A halo nevus occurs when the immune cells (which normally fight off infection) attack a mole for reasons unknown.
Halo nevi are sometimes seen in people with vitiligo.
Halo nevi may occur in patients with malignant melanoma.
Atypical moles are more common on people with halo nevi. Atypical moles are thought to have an increased risk of turning cancerous.

III. Treatment:

Normally no treatment is required.
A yearly complete skin exam is recommended for those with halo nevi or a single halo nevus to make sure there are no atypical moles or malignant melanoma on the skin.
If you have a halo nevus and you have another mole that is changing, you need to be evaluated by your doctor immediately.

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