Halo nevi or halo nevus is a medical term used to describe a mole that is surrounded by a pale or white ring. The word "halo" is pronounced /ˈheɪloʊ/, while "nevi" is pronounced /ˈniːvaɪ/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "halo" is ˈheɪloʊ and for "nevi" it is ˈniːvaɪ. The word "halo" refers to the ring around the mole, while "nevi" is the plural form of "nevus" which means birthmark. It is important to spell medical terms correctly to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation of the condition.
Halo nevi, also known as Sutton's nevi or Sutton's halo nevi, is a dermatological term that describes a benign, usually pigmented skin lesion surrounded by a lighter-colored ring or "halo" which resembles the appearance of a halo around the lesion. The word "nevi" is the plural form of nevus, which refers to any congenital or acquired pigmented lesion on the skin, commonly known as a mole.
Halo nevi typically present as round or oval-shaped brown or black moles surrounded by a depigmented or hypopigmented ring, creating a noticeable contrast. They are most commonly found on the back, chest, or upper arms and are more prevalent in children and adolescents. The halo surrounding the nevus is thought to result from an immune-mediated reaction where the immune system targets and eliminates the pigment cells within the nevus. As a result, the central nevus gradually fades away, leaving behind a depigmented or hypopigmented ring.
Although halo nevi are usually harmless and do not require medical intervention, they may sometimes be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo or uveitis. It is essential to monitor any changes in size, shape, or color, as well as any symptoms like itching, bleeding, or inflammation, which could indicate a malignant transformation. Consultation with a dermatologist is advisable to assess the risk and provide appropriate treatment if needed.