Dermoscopic Characteristics of Melasma in Indians: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the various dermoscopic features of melasma in Indian population. Materials and methods A total of 100 cases of clinically diagnosed melasma and 50 controls without melasma or any other facial pigmentation were studied dermoscopically at a tertiary care center in Eastern India. The various described relevant patterns of pigmentation on dermoscopy were recorded. Similar patterns were also looked for in the control population and the two compared. Statistical analysis was done with Fisher's exact test and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Cases consisted of 75 females and 25 males with an average age of 36 years as against an average age of 35 years for controls. Of the various patterns of pigmentation, reticuloglobular pigmentation was statistically significant in association with melasma (p < 0.0001). The unpatterned patchy brown black pigment was also significantly associated with melasma as compared to controls (p - 0.0346). A granular pigmentary pattern was also shown to be significantly associated with a diagnosis of melasma (p - 0.0123). Telangiectasia was seen more frequently in patients as compared to controls (p - 0.0327). Perifollicular brown black globules were not significantly correlated with a diagnosis of melasma. More than one pattern was present in a number of patients. Conclusion Dermoscopy of melasma can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and response or adverse effect of therapy. Study limitations Lack of direct correlation with histopathology and inclusion of therapy naïve as well as patients on therapy were major limitations of this study. How to cite this article Neema S, Chatterjee M. Dermoscopic Characteristics of Melasma in Indians: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Dermoscop 2017;1(1):6-10.