hospital based dermatoscopic study for the classification of melasma.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was to evaluate the clinical profile and dermatoscopic classifications of melasma. Methods: A detail assessment, clinical examinations were performed to all patients. Clinical photographs were taken with full precautions to minimize the expression of the identity of the patient. Dermatoscopic evaluation of each subject was done. A USB Digital Magna-scope with 8LED light source, 20x to 200x magnification and 2Mega Pixel image sensor was used for dermatoscopic evaluation. Results: Most common dermatoscopic pattern was sparing of follicles 78(78%) followed by brown pigment 54(54%), accentuation of psuedonetwork 42(42%), brown –grey pigment 8(8%), grey pigment 11(11%) and perifollicular accentuation 4(4%). Telengiectasia was seen in 25(25%) patients. Conclusions: Melasma is more preponderance in middle age female. Most common factors for melasma are sun exposure and usage of fairness cream. Centrofacial is the most common type of melasma followed by malar. Sparing of follicles is one of the most common patterns of melasma on dermatoscopy. Hence, Melasma is a common acquired facial hyperpigmentary disorder which can cause a significant psychosocial impact in the patient. Dermatoscopy is a simple, non-invasive, office tool which helps in an accurate classification, early identification and therapeutic monitoring of melasma.