Medicine:Halo nevus

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Halo nevus
Other namesLeukoderma acquisitum centrifugum of sutton
SkinTumors-281.jpg

Halo nevus (also known as "Leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum," "Perinevoid vitiligo," and "Sutton nevus"[1]:689) is a mole that is surrounded by a depigmented ring or 'halo'.

Presentation

Halo nevi are also known as Sutton's nevi, or leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum. 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.

Causes

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).[2] The cause for the attack is unknown.[3]

Diagnosis

Treatment

Photograph of a halo nevus on a face

As halo nevi are only of cosmetic significance, no treatment is required,[4] and patients will be asymptomatic. Although halo nevi are harmless, it is important to monitor the lesion on regular basis.[5] 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.

Epidemiology

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,[3] or Turner syndrome.[6] 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.

See also

  • Nevus
  • List of cutaneous conditions

References

  1. James, William D. et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0. 
  2. Mundinger, Gerhard S. (January 16, 2014). "Halo Phenomenon". New England Journal of Medicine 370 (3): 262–262. doi:10.1056/NEJMicm1306230. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Halo Nevus - skinsite.com". http://www.skinsite.com/info_halo_nevus.htm. Retrieved August 4, 2008. 
  4. "CareFair.com - Halo Nevis". http://www.carefair.com/Skincare/Disorders/Halo_Nevus_148.html. Retrieved August 4, 2008. 
  5. "DermaTalk - Halo Nevus". http://www.dermatalk.com/blogs/skin-disorders/halo-nevus. 
  6. Halo Nevis at eMedicine

External links

Classification
External resources