Moles With Haloes That Are Typically Benign
Ahalo nevusis amoleinside a circle that lacks pigment.
This “halo” has clear, obvious borders.
The average age of diagnosis is 15 years, and it’s rare in older people.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
Halo nevi don’t usually require treatment and, over time, often disappear on their own.
This article explains what halo nevi are and their causes.
What Does a Halo Nevus Mole Look Like?
The halo nevus looks like a lighter, whitish ring that develops around a mole.
In some cases, the mole may fade away but the circular white area with no pigment remains.
Over time, the skin is likely to regain its skin tone.
These moles affect about 1% of people with White skin.They also occur with other skin tone types.
Stages of a Halo Nevus
The development of a halo nevus typically follows specific stages.
Causes of Halo Nevus
There are a number of possible causes for a halo nevus to appear.
A dermatologist may recommend a full skin check when a halo nevus appears in an adult.
The entire spot also may be excised (removed).
The differential diagnosis can be challenging.
Summary
A halo nevus is a mole with a well-defined circle around it.
There are several possible causes of a halo nevus, which is closely related to vitiligo.
In some cases, halo nevi can develop in response to cancer treatment.
It’s even more rare that a halo nevus occurs due to skin cancer.
Your healthcare provider may be able to examine the site or do a skin biopsy if needed.
Or, they can refer you to a specialist for further care.
2021 Sep 9;11(9):904. doi: 10.3390/jpm11090904.
American Academy of Dermatology.Vitiligo: Diagnosis and Treatment.
2020 Aug 17;100(15):adv00228.
2021 Jul 8;10(14):3047. doi: 10.3390/jcm10143047.
2021 Apr;84(4):1164-1166. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.08.056.
2022 Apr 29;11(9):2505. doi: 10.3390/jcm11092505.
Epub 2012 Mar 2.
The immune response in halo nevi.J Am Acad Dermatol.
1997 Oct. 37(4):620-4.
