Dermatology
What is a halo naevus?
This name is used to describe an unusual but non-cancerous type of mole. The unusual feature is the development of a pale white halo around the mole. The mole may have been present for many years.
Who gets a halo naevus and where?
Anyone can develop a halo naevus, but they are seen most often in older children and young adults. They are commonest on the back and two or three may develop at the same time.
Why do they come and what will happen next?
We do not know why they develop. A halo naevus is a mole which is starting to disappear without treatment. Over a few months, the brown mole in the centre will vanish, leaving a circular white patch. This white patch will gradually return to the colour of the surrounding skin, but this may take months or years.
Is treatment needed?
Not usually. The one point to watch is that the white area does not get burnt when in the sun. The skin in this area has no protection from the sun and cannot develop a tan. It is therefore sensible to use a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen (30 or higher) on this area.
Patient experience
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