HomeHealth articlesmeyerson nevusWhat Is Meyerson Nevus?

Meyerson Nevus - Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis.

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Meyerson nevus is an uncommon clinical condition characterized by a mole surrounded by an itchy rash. Read below to know about Meyerson nevus.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Published At November 3, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 3, 2022

Introduction:

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells in the skin and hair follicles. Nevi are a collection of pigment-producing cells that are harmless. Melanocytic nevi are cancerous growth resulting from the proliferation of the normal pigment-producing cells in the skin. Many adults have nevi, but their abundance varies tremendously from individual to individual, ranging from a few nevi to hundreds of lesions per person. Compared with other clinically apparent, benign, but potentially precancerous lesions, melanocytic nevi are unique as they arise relatively early in life.

How Is Meyerson Nevus Otherwise Called?

It is also called,

  • Meyerson's phenomenon.

  • Halo dermatitis nevus.

  • Halo eczema nevus.

  • Spongiotic change in melanocytic nevi.

Who Gets Meyerson Nevus?

Meyerson nevus is commonly seen in young males with a 3:1 male-to-female ratio. Meyerson nevi are seen in healthy young adults' trunks and proximal extremities. Meyerson nevus may coexist with halo nevi. It may also occur in patients with dry, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, skin infections, or other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. However, it is commonly seen in healthy individuals without any pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing nevus may present with pruritus and scaling over the lesion. The eczematous halo is sharply defined and surrounds a central nevus symmetrically.

What Are the Variants of Meyerson Nevus?

Dermoscopy helps to observe colors and structures within melanocytic nevi. The dermoscopic diagnosis of nevi relies on four essential criteria: color, pattern, body site-specific pattern, and pigment distribution.

Color:

  • Black or brown color due to melanin deposition either in keratinocytes or melanocytes.

  • Gray color due to melanin deposition in keratinocytes, melanocytes, or melanophages.

  • The blue color is either free or within melanocytes or melanophages due to melanin.

When the nevi are black, brown, and gray colors, the epidermal layer is involved, and a blue-colored nevus affects the dermal skin layer.

Pattern:

  • Reticular network - Network of brownish interconnected lines over a diffuse pigmentation.

  • Globular-cobblestone - Numerous, differently sized, large, closely aggregated, somehow angulated globule-like structures resembling brown and gray-black cobblestones.

  • Starburst: They are bulbous, kinked fingerlike projections at the edge of a lesion seen as tan to black in color. They may rarely appear in the form of a network.

  • Structureless blue - Structure-less blue pigmentation in the absence of a pigment network or other distinctive local features.

Location:

  • Face - Pseudo network pattern intermingled by hairs.

  • Acral - Parallel pigmented lines within the furrows or perpendicular to the furrows.

  • Nail - Small pigmented band composed of parallel lines of uniform color and width.

Pigment Distribution:

Multifocal, central, eccentric, and uniform.

What Is the Cause of Meyerson Nevus?

The cause of Meyerson nevus is unknown, and its primary concern is malignant transformation. There is significant evidence that halo dermatitis is immune-mediated, where the CD4+ lymphocyte immune cells react against the target antigens on the nevus cell surface (these are melanocytes). Skin biopsy specimens reveal inflamed skin like in psoriasis and eczema.

Factors That Trigger Meyerson Nevus Are:

  • Exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

  • Interferon-alfa-2b therapy for HCV and Behcet's disease.

  • Chemotherapy.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis.

  • Hypersensitivity reaction.

What Is the Clinical Presentation of Meyerson Nevus?

Meyerson nevus develops as a single itchy patch or multiple lesions appearing simultaneously. Meyerson nevus has a well-defined, erythematous scaly patch, uniform-colored centrally positioned nevus surrounded by a red, dry, or blistering rash. It may or may not be itchy. The naevus in the center of the halo is rarely cancerous (melanoma). Meyerson nevus mainly appears on the trunk or proximal extremities, although it can present on virtually any skin location. The Meyerson nevus pattern is blurred due to the overlying, yellowish serous crust. Once the eczematous reaction has resolved, the nevi return to their baseline dermoscopic morphology.

Meyerson nevus is sometimes confused with a halo mole (Sutton nevus). The distinguishing feature between the Meyerson nevus and Sutton nevus is that the center of a Meyerson nevus never fades away even when surrounding eczema has subsided. Still, in Sutton nevus, the center lags and disappears altogether.

How Is Meyerson Nevus Diagnosed?

The Following Methods Diagnose Meyerson Nevus:

  • Evaluation of medical history and complete physical examination.

  • Examining the lesion using dermoscopy.

  • Perform wood lamp examination. In this, skin changes in pigmentation are examined under ultraviolet light.

  • A skin biopsy is also done.

How Is the Meyerson Nevus Treated?

  • Eczema surrounding the Meyerson nevus usually resolves by itself within weeks. However, when there is intense inflammation and itch, a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment is applied for a few days or weeks.

  • The center of the nevus remains unchanged. As the naevus is harmless, there is no need for removal. Surgical excision is suggested if there is any chance of turning into melanoma or because the symptoms are a nuisance.

  • When the Meyerson phenomenon overlies the malformation of the nuchal-occipital capillary, the lesion may be difficult to treat. In such cases, treating the malformation with a pulsed dye laser may resolve the lesion.

What Are the Other Lesions That Resemble Meyerson Nevus?

The other eczematous reactions that resemble Meyerson nevus are:

  • Seborrheic keratoses.

  • Basal cell carcinomas.

  • Squamous cell carcinomas.

  • Dermatofibromas.

  • Keloids.

  • Congenital capillary malformations like port-wine stains.

What Are the Complications of Meyerson Nevus?

Meyerson nevus is a sporadic condition. The main complication of this condition is malignant transformation.

What Is the Prognosis of Meyerson Nevus?

The prognosis of Meyerson nevus is usually excellent with appropriate treatment, as they are generally benign lesions. Meyerson phenomenon resolves spontaneously or with mild local treatment of either topical steroids or minor surgical excision.

Conclusion:

Meyerson nevus is a rare benign entity. The main concern with this condition is malignant transformation. More patients and long follow-ups could help clarify the pathogenesis of Meyerson nevus and the association between the other lesions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is the Fact in Molluscum Contogiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a dermal infection caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum virus. The symptoms include elevated painful bumps on the skin surface. The infection can be transferred from one person to another by sharing towels and even by touching the affected area. 

2.

What Is the Appearance of Melanocytic Nevi?

The melanocytic nevi are nothing, but they are moles. They appear like small and rounded spots. The color of melanocytic nevi can be black, brown, or pink. The texture can be plain or slightly elevated. Only some moles have the same size, but their edges can be smooth but not regular. If there is a change in the shape, size, and color of moles, this could indicate medical attention.

3.

What Is Meyerson Phenomenon Visible In?

The Meyerson phenomenon is the Meyerson sign. It is the medical term used in the skin specialty. It is the sign that developed due to the fracture or trauma to the wart or mole. It is also observed in the case of melanoma. The non-cancerous mole may change due to irritation or scratching in this condition. 

4.

Can a Nevus Become Malignant?

Yes, a nevus can be malignant. The cancerous form of nevus is called melanoma. Most of the moles are non-cancerous and non-spreading. But. with time, they can transform into cancerous such as melanoma. If an individual feels pain or changes in color, size, or shape, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.

5.

Can an Individual Detach Nevus?

A nevus can be removed by the healthcare professional, especially by the skin specialist. The skin is cut over the nevus, and the mole is removed. The laser can also be used to destroy the nevus. Cryotherapy will destroy the nevus by using liquid nitrogen. The nevus can be burned off with the use of electrosurgery.

6.

Can Nevus Go Away?

The nevus may disappear with time. Most of the moles are permanent on the skin. Some factors that can lead to the disappearance of nevus are as follows:
- When the pigmentation in the moles gets naturally low. This can lead to fading of the moles with an increase in age. 
- Sun breakdown can cause pigment breakdown, leading to the disappearance of moles.
- During pregnancy, the hormonal fluctuations can cause the disappearance.

7.

Is Nevus Harmful?

The non-cancerous moles are not serious and do not cause any harm to an individual. Most of the moles remain non-cancerous with time. But, some change to a malignant form called melanoma. The serious nevus are those which change in color, size, shape, and texture. If there is ulceration or bleeding from the affected area, it can be a sign of cancer.
 

8.

How Does an Individual Know Whether the Nevus Is Malignant?

The signs that might indicate that the mole is cancerous are as follows:
- If there is an asymmetry in the mole.
- Uneven borders.
- Change in color with different shades.
- If the size is more than 6mm, then it can be a sign of cancer.
- If an individual experiences pain, itching, and bleeding.
- A family history of skin cancer.

9.

What Are the Phases of Nevus?

There are no phases of nevus like other cancers. But there are different types of nevus, which are as follows:
- Common acquired nevi.
- The nevi with a fried egg appearance is called atypical nevi. 
- Congenital nevi.
- Blue nevi is the nevi with blue color.

10.

Can a Skin Specialist Remove Nevus?

Yes, a skin specialist can remove nevus. They have expertise in the stream of nevus removal. They remove nevi with different procedures and methods. The removal method depends on the patient's choice, nevi location, and medical history. 
 
 

11.

Is Nevus Even or Elevated?

Nevi can be even or elevated. The characteristics of flat or elevated nevi are as follows:
- Flat nevi are the non-elevated nevi which are on the same level of the skin. The color of the nevi can be darker or lighter.
- Elevated nevi are the nevi that are elevated from the skin surface. They can be rough or smooth.

12.

Is a Nevus Ordinary?

Nevi are common. Most people in the world have nevi. It can affect people at any age. Some may have few moles, and some have many. Some moles are harmless, and some are not because they do not become skin cancer. It is recommended to get checked by the dermatologist to check out any issues.
 
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

Tags:

meyerson nevus
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

meyerson nevus

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy