Halo dermatitis followed by the development of vitiligo associated with Sutton's nevi.

Abstract

Halo dermatitis (Meyerson's nevus) is an inflammatory, sometimes itchy, eczematous eruption usually encircling a preexisting melanocytic nevus that can be mistaken for malignant melanoma or Sutton's nevus. Unlike the latter, it mostly resolves spontaneously within weeks and never causes regression of the central lesion. Sutton's nevi, however, are frequently found in otherwise healthy individuals and patients suffering from vitiligo or malignant melanoma. The simultaneous appearance of Sutton's nevus and halo dermatitis has been reported before. However, the causes of both diseases remain unclear. We report a 16-year-old female who developed vitiligo and Sutton's nevi 6 months after a halo dermatitis lesion was excised. The coincidence of these disorders suggests common or similar immunological mechanisms induced by pigment cells and/or their components.