The dermoscopic features of facial aging among Egyptians: A comparative study between males and females

Abstract

Summary Background Few studies have evaluated facial photoaging by dermoscopy. Only one study has been performed among Egyptians. Objective To study and compare the dermoscopic features of facial aging in males and females and to relate these features to clinical criteria. Methods This study included 217 subjects divided into two groups; 117 males and 100 females. Each group was classified into three subgroups according to age. The dermoscopic features were reported according to dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) criteria besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis and were related to significant clinical factors. Results The most prominent DPAS features in males were yellowish discoloration, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, superficial wrinkles, criss‐cross wrinkles, and deep wrinkles. The most prominent DPAS findings in females were yellow papules, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, solar lentigo, and superficial wrinkles. A significant difference between males and females was detected regarding yellowish discoloration, white lines, hypo‐hyperpigmented macules, senile comedones, telangiectasia, all wrinkle types, and DPAS score besides diffuse erythema and seborrheic keratosis. The DPAS score and the dermoscopic features were more prominent with male gender, increase in age, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking and were detected early in skin phototypes II and III. Conclusion We found a significant difference in various dermoscopic features in males compared to age‐matched females. Also, we detected increase in DPAS features and score with male gender, aging, sun exposure, Glogau's scale, and smoking. Therefore, dermoscopy is an objective technique that detects selectively photoaging in males and females that aids in proper choice of various targeted treatment modalities.

The Dermoscopic Features of Photoaging and Its Association with Sun Index Score in the Coastal Population at Cilincing, Jakarta: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A similar result was found in a study by El-Sayed et al, which reported that lentigo, superficial wrinkles, and hypo-hyperpigmented macules were also the three most common DPAS findings. 15 This result is in accordance with references stating that most people with skin of color (Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV) living in coastal area tend to have earlier and more rapid pigmentation changes (dyschromia) since the most common forms of photoaging in skin of color are lentigo and mottled pigmentation. 18 , 19 …”

“…A study by El-Sayed et al in Egypt reported that a higher mean DPAS score was found in people aged older than 60 years compared to those under 60 years. 15 This is supported by Isik et al that reported significant changes in photoaging based on DPAS score at the fifth decade of life. 5 …”

“… 5 Another study by El-Sayed et al in Egypt reported that most of their subjects have the Fitzpatrick skin type III, IV, and V, but there was no information about the proportion. 15 …”

“…It was suspected that the propensity of men to smoke more, spend more time outdoor, and thus are more likely to be exposed to the sun; and the tendency of women to use sunscreen when doing outdoors activities, contributed to such findings. 15 …”

“…For example, if the criterion was positive on one facial region and negative on the remaining areas that means the sum is 1 point for the criterion. 5 , 15 …”