Melasma: Through the eye of a dermoscope

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Melasma is a human melanogenesis dysfunction that results in localized, chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin. Dermoscopy is a new non-invasive tool which is used to visualise the pigment colour and distribution. This study was undertaken to explore the usefulness of dermoscope in comparison to Wood’s lamp in melasma.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 50 patients of melasma were examined clinically, under Wood’s lamp and with dermoscope. All the findings were recorded, described and analysed.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The data was compared using SPSS software and the degree of agreement between Wood’s lamp and dermoscopy was found to be substantial (K =0.833, p =&lt;0.001)<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Dermoscopy is better tool in determining the depth of pigmentation. It gives an additional advantage to visualize the vasculature.</span></p>