Overview
A halo nevus occurs when the body develops an immune response to the pigment cells around a nevus. The pigment disappears and the area becomes white. Often in the process, the nevus itself disappears, leaving a circular white spot.
Review Date 5/31/2022
Updated by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.