These antibodies have been shown to disappear after removal of the halo nevus and as such were thought to be related. Subsequent investigation failed to reveal a temporal relation between the appearance of these antibodies and the regression of nevus cells, and it is now thought that these antibodies appear as a consequence of the release of cytoplasmic proteins of halo nevus melanocytes secondary to cell damage. Ultrastructurally, advanced lesions of halo nevus show dermal macrophages containing portions of nevus cells. While it is clear that an immunologic mechanism results in the demise of melanocytes in halo nevi, the precipitating cause and the exact role of the lymphocytes remains unknown. Halo nevi are benign.
Morbidity is minimal and limited to cosmetic appearance.
A familial tendency for halo nevi has been reported, and all races are susceptible to development of these lesions. There is no gender predilection. The average age of onset is 15 years. Halo nevi are usually asymptomatic. The central nevus may or may not involute with time, and repigmentation of the halo areas does not always occur.