Melanocytic Nevi – Halo Nevus

Halo Nevi are very common melanocytic nevi that I frequently encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Clinically, a Halo Nevus appears like a normal brown/black melanocytic nevus with a white depigmented ring around it that resembles a halo.  Halo Nevi are most commonly seen in children and adolescents.  The halo is caused by the immune system attacking the nevus resulting in the loss of color.  Eventually, the entire nevus can appear white (depigmented).  In most cases, a Halo Nevus is benign but regressing melanomas may also develop a halo, thus it is important to have Halo Nevi evaluated by a board certified dermatologist.