What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Halo Nevomelanocytic Nevus
• Leukoderma Acquisitum Centrifugum of Sutton
• Sutton Naevus

What is Halo Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body
• Halo Nevi are benign melanocytic (pigment-based) proliferations. They have a halo of skin depigmentation around an existing nevus, which usually indicates that the mole is under regression
• When the mole completely disappears, it can leave behind a depigmented spot. This can cause cosmetic issues in some individuals
• In some cases, Halo Nevus occurs in a random manner, while few cases are known to run in families with a history of vitiligo. Nevertheless, the cause of Halo Nevus is unknown
• Treatment is generally not required for Halo Nevus unless they present cosmetic concerns in the individuals. The prognosis is generally excellent with or without treatment, since Halo Nevi are benign conditions

Who gets Halo Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Halo Nevus may typically appear in the first 30 years; children and young adults may have this type of nevus
• Very rarely, it may be present at birth, in which case it is called a Congenital Halo Nevus
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk, but this nevus type is more frequent in Caucasians. Studies indicate that approximately 1 in 100 Caucasians have Halo Nevus

What are the Risk Factors for Halo Nevus? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors identified for Halo Nevus include:

• A family history of vitiligo
• A positive family history of Halo Nevus
• Caucasians are at a higher risk compared to other racial groups

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Halo Nevus? (Etiology)

• The cause of Halo Nevus formation is presently unknown
• It may be caused by the body’s reaction to the mole, by initiating an immune response
• Halo Nevus may occur in a sporadic manner; though in some cases, it is associated with individuals having a family history of vitiligo

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Halo Nevus?

The signs and symptoms of Halo Nevus that may be observed include:

• The presence of a halo (ring) around an existing mole, which indicates that the mole is slowly disappearing
• When the mole completely disappears, it leaves behind a discolored spot that can cause cosmetic issues depending upon its location. This is called Halo Nevus without Nevus , or Halo Nevus sans Nevus
• In many individuals, the depigmented area may get repigmented (returns to normal skin color) over time
• Halo Nevus may be single or many in numbers
• They are usually well-circumscribed and less than 5 mm in size

How is Halo Nevus Diagnosed?

Halo Nevus is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Genetic testing in case of a family history of vitiligo
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note: In majority of the cases, no biopsy is necessary for Halo Nevi. But they may be performed to rule out other conditions presenting similar signs and symptoms.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Halo Nevus?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Halo Nevus. Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns.

Malignant melanomas can be attacked by the immune system and show surrounding depigmentation like benign Halo Nevi. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider this as a possibility when evaluating Halo Nevi.

How is Halo Nevus Treated?

The treatment measures for Halo Nevus include:

• The healthcare provider may chose to regularly observe the mole, to check for any atypical features (a “wait and watch” approach may be followed)
• Surgical excision and removal of the mole, if necessary for cosmetic reasons

How can Halo Nevus be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Halo Nevus.

What is the Prognosis of Halo Nevus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Halo Nevus is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, these are benign conditions, the prognosis is excellent even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Halo Nevus:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/