Halo Naevus - Mole or Melanoma? | London Mole Removal

What is Halo Naevus?

A halo naevus (plural halo naevi) is a very distinctive mole which is so-called due to the lighter coloured ring of skin around its darker pigmented centre.

Their unusual appearance is caused by an autoimmune response within the body which makes the area surrounding the mole lose its colour.

Left alone, the mole will gradually change colour and disappear while the skin around returns to its normal tone. The body is essentially destroying moles itself!

When To Get Help

Despite its appearance, a halo naevus is not necessarily a problem.

The majority are benign (non cancerous) and no treatment is required for medical reasons.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that halo naevi can be triggered by a malignant melanoma and this is something that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.

Therefore if there are any concerns about the appearance of a mole, it is always best to seek a doctor’s advice. Equally, if the mole exhibits any odd behaviours (itching, bleeding, crusting, oozing) then a concern should be raised. It is always best to get suspicious skin blemishes checked out to be on the safe side.

Also bear in mind that halo naevi tend to occur most frequently in older children and young adults. They are far less common over the age of 30 years, so if a halo naevus appears in adulthood, it is worth checking for any other suspicious signs.

Benign Halo Naevi Treatment

Assuming the halo naevi is benign, then no treatment is required unless for cosmetic reasons (i.e. the client wants to get rid of the mole for aesthetic reasons).

As it can take months or years for a halo naevus to disappear, and the appearance is quite atypical, many clients do prefer to get rid of it for peace of mind.

Removal of a halo naevus is relatively quick and straightforward.

Cosmedics’ mole removal centres offer treatment using laser and/or minor skin surgery by trained and experienced doctors.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Where the mole is not considered medically a risk, then the NHS will usually deny mole removal on the basis that it is just ‘cosmetic’, so treatment in the private sector is the best approach.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include: