Dermoscopic Aspects of Traumatized Nevi After Dermabrasion

Abstract

BACKGROUND Melanocytic nevi submitted to trauma can undergo clinical, dermoscopic, and even histological changes, making it difficult to differentiate them from a melanoma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the dermoscopic changes of traumatized nevi after dermabrasion. METHODS Dermoscopic images of acquired melanocytic nevi were compared before and 4 weeks after half of their area had undergone dermabrasion. RESULTS The sample consisted of 50 lesions from 15 patients. The homogeneous pattern was the most frequent, followed by the reticular, cobblestone, and globular patterns. After dermabrasion, nearly half of the lesions (46%) became dermatoscopically asymmetric. Among all lesions, structureless areas, dotted vessels and erythema were the most frequent new dermoscopic structures. CONCLUSION Trauma after dermabrasion may induce significant dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi. Although the global pattern did not change, most of the lesions became asymmetric, with the appearance or fading of dermoscopic structures and colors. A history of recent trauma should be investigated when evaluating pigmented lesions.