Halo nevus

Abstract

Halo nevi (leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum, Sutton's nevus, leukopigmentary nevus, perinevoid vitiligo or perinevoid leukoderma) are melanocytic nevi surrounded by a halo of hypopigmentation or depigmentation. They are significantly more common in children and young people, with a peak incidence at the age of 15, without gender or racial predilection. The usual clinical course of a halo nevus involves gradual involution and subsequent complete regression of a centrally placed nevus that leaves behind an area of depigmentation. Typical halo nevi do not require treatment. Exceptionally, halo nevi develop from dysplastic nevi and malignant neoplasms of the skin (halo phenomenon). The paper presents a 12-year-old boy with changes in nevi on his back. During the last summer, a pale band developed around two nevi. The nevi became lighter and shrank. One of them has completely disappeared. Apart from basal cell carcinoma in the father, the presence of other atypical nevi, melanoma, vitiligo and autoimmune diseases in the personal and family anamnesis was not established. A typical halo nevus is diagnosed by clinical and dermatological examination and regular dermatological monitoring is advised. Halo nevi mostly develop from an acquired melanocytic nevus, but can be seen in dysplastic nevi, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. A thorough medical history, careful clinical and dermatological examination make it possible to identify atypical halo nevi that require a biopsy.

Keywords

• nevus
• halo
• regression
• depigmentation