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

• Halo Eczema
• Meyerson Naevus
• Spongiotic Change in Melanocytic Naevi

What is Meyerson Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. Meyerson Nevus (MN) is a benign mole of melanocytic (melanin pigment producing) cells that occur on the skin surrounded by a halo. The mole causes an eczema-like reaction around it
• A solitary nevus or multiple nevi may be involved. When the skin around the nevus get affected by eczema-like features, it results in a halo formation. The nevus or mole can be of 3 types - junctional type, compound type, and intradermal type. Meyerson Nevus may involve any of the mole types
• Meyerson Nevus is observed typically in young adults and children. It may resemble other skin disorders such as pityriasis rosea and allergic contact dermatitis
• Treatment is generally not required for Meyerson Nevus, unless it presents cosmetic issues. The prognosis is excellent with suitable treatment, since these moles are generally benign

A type of nevus is seen in which a halo of depigmentation surrounds a benign nevus, called a halo nevus. No eczematous skin is associated with it, just uninflamed absence of pigment.

Who gets Meyerson Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Meyerson Nevus is a skin condition that may be present children and adults. Usually, young adults in the 30 years’ age category are affected
• Both males and females are affected; the male-female ratio is 3:1 in adults
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk

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

Currently, there are no specific risk factors identified for Meyerson Nevus. Occasionally, the following factors may be noted:

• Individuals undergoing interferon alpha therapy, in very rare cases
• Exposure to sun’s UV rays; severe sunburns

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s 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 Meyerson Nevus? (Etiology)

A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. A melanocytic nevus is benign tumor of melanocytic (pigment-based) cells that occur on the skin. A Meyerson Nevus is described as a type of melanocytic nevus.

The cause of Meyerson Nevus formation is generally unknown.

• The skin condition shares similarities with pityriasis rosea and allergic contact dermatitis
• Side effects of interferon alpha: It is a type of protein that has been occasionally associated with MN

A Meyerson Nevus may be seen in the presence of other skin conditions, such as eczema and halo nevus, or allergies including hay fever and asthma.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Meyerson Nevus?

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

• Presence of well-formed skin rash at any part of the body (such as the trunk)
• The skin lesions may appear as plaques and are uniformly pigmented (light to dark red or pink)
• When the skin around the mole is also involved, it results in the formation of a ring of eczema around the nevus like a halo; hence, this lesion is also known as a Halo Eczema
• The nevus turns red, is inflamed, and presents itchiness
• The inflammation around the nevus looks like pityriasis rosea (a condition presenting skin rashes)
• Swollen lesion with scaling of skin and the formation of crust; scaling and crusting may be observed all around the nevus
• The size of the lesion may vary from 2 to 4 cm (in diameter)

Note:

• Meyerson Nevus may involve any of the nevus types (i.e., junctional, compound, or intradermal) and present with the characteristic eczematous halo
• Not all moles are involved, and the reason why some moles are involved, while others are not, is unknown

How is Meyerson Nevus Diagnosed?

A Meyerson Nevus is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• 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. 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 Meyerson Nevus?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Meyerson Nevus.

• Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns
• Scratching or itching of the moles may lead to bleeding and ulceration. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Complications that may develop due to the underlying condition

How is Meyerson Nevus Treated?

The treatment measures for Meyerson Nevus (MN) may be dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and may include:

• The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the mole, to check for any atypical features following a diagnosis of MN; a “wait and watch” approach may be followed
• Mild skin conditions may be treated using steroidal creams and applications
• Surgical excision and removal of the mole, if necessary for cosmetic reasons, may be undertaken
• The benign nevus can also be excised through electrocautery surgical procedure

Typically, after the transformation and when the condition resolves, the mole/nevus appears normal (as before). However, the skin color around the affected mole may be changed.

How can Meyerson Nevus be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Meyerson Nevus.

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

• The prognosis of Meyerson Nevus is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, it is a benign mole, the prognosis is excellent even with periodic observation, in some cases
• In many individuals, the skin condition restores following regression of the skin lesions

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Meyerson Nevus:

• Do not pick or scratch the moles
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition