Halo Nevus
Also known as: Sutton's Nevus
A mole surrounded by a white ring of depigmented skin. The immune system attacking the mole - usually benign, most common in teenagers.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal mole
No white ring
Halo nevus
White ring around mole
A halo nevus is a mole surrounded by a symmetrical ring (halo) of depigmented (white) skin. The white ring forms because the body's immune system is attacking and destroying the melanocytes in and around the mole - a process called immune-mediated regression.
Halo nevi are most common in teenagers and young adults, affecting approximately 1% of the white population. They can occur around any type of mole and multiple halo nevi can be present simultaneously.
The typical progression is: a white ring appears around a normal-looking mole → the central mole gradually fades and disappears → the white area eventually repigments (though this final step may take years or may not occur completely).
Halo nevi are benign. However, they require careful evaluation because: (1) melanoma can occasionally present with a halo-like depigmentation, and (2) the development of halo nevi can be associated with vitiligo. In adults over 40, new halo nevi warrant a full skin examination to rule out melanoma elsewhere on the body.
Quick self-check
Does this look like halo nevus? Answer 2 questions.
Is there a symmetrical white ring surrounding the mole?
Does the central mole itself look normal (symmetrical, even color)?
Risk factors
- Adolescence and young adulthood
- Tendency toward vitiligo or autoimmune conditions
- Fair skin
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠If the central mole has irregular features (asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors)
- ⚠Development of new halo nevi after age 40 (warrant full skin exam)
- ⚠If you also have widespread loss of skin pigment (possible vitiligo)
Often confused with
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Full ABCDE check →Frequently asked questions
Is a halo nevus a sign of melanoma?
In most cases, no - especially in teenagers. The immune response creating the halo is attacking a benign mole. However, in adults over 40, new halo nevi sometimes occur as the immune system responds to melanoma elsewhere. A full skin exam is recommended in this age group.
Will the white ring go away?
Eventually, yes. After the central mole disappears, the white area usually repigments over months to years, though this can take a long time and may not be complete.
Related conditions
Common Nevus
Normal moles - clusters of pigment cells. Usually harmless, but monthly monitoring for changes is essential.
Vitiligo
Autoimmune destruction of pigment cells creating white patches. Affects 1-2% of people worldwide. Not contagious.
Melanoma
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.