title: "Halo nevi" and UV radiation.
abstract: Halo nevi, also termed Sutton nevi, are defined as benign melanocytic nevi that are surrounded by an area of depigmentation resembling a halo. Halo nevi are common in children and young adults, with a mean age at onset of 15 years. The incidence in the population is estimated to be approximately 1%. Affected individuals frequently have multiple lesions which are usually localized on the back. A familial tendency for halo nevi has been reported. The etiology of halo nevi is unknown. It is an autoimmune response and T lymphocytes are considered to play a key role in the progressive destruction of nevus cells. Halo nevi may be associated with autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo, Hashimoto thyroiditis, alopecia areata, celiac disease, atopic dermatitis and others. It has been proved that halo nevi are detected after an intense sun exposure especially after sunburns. The etiology of halo nevi, association with malignant melanoma and the role of sun exposure in the development of halo nevi are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproductive Health, Children's Hospital Zagreb, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Zagreb Croatia. nives.pustisek@kdb.hr
authors.forename: Nives
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pustisek
authors.forename: Nives
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sikanić-Dugić
authors.forename: Vlasta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hirsl-Hećej
authors.forename: Mislav Luka
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Domljan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D055882:Nevus, Halo / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*