Characteristic dermoscopic signs of Melasma among patients attending dermatology-teaching centre in Sulaymaniyah city

Abstract

Background and objectives: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder which mainly involves sun exposed areas and characterized by the presence of single or multiple hyperpigmented patches distributed symmetrically over face and extending up to neck. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique has been tapped recently in various hyperpigmentary conditions like melasma. This research aims to determine the characteristic dermoscopic signs of melasma. Methods: A descriptive study of 100 patients with melasma were conducted over a period of 4 months, these patients were diagnosed clinically and digital images obtained first then dermoscopy examination done for different sites of face by: dermoscope device of 20X power of magnification, and Many digital images of dermoscopy findings obtained thorough attachment of the dermoscopic device to a smart phone. Results: Females constitute 79% of our patients while 21% were males. On dermoscopic examination: 69% of cases had pseudoreticular network sign, 41% had arcuate and annular sign, 21% had globules sign, 32% had sparing of perifollicular region sign and 51% had telangieactasia sign. The presence of telengiectasia in male patients was statistically significant 80.95%, Malar distribution was the most common pattern observed in 68%, more than one pattern was present in a number of patients. Conclusions: This study showed that the pseudoreticular network sign is the most common deromatoscopic signs among our patients. Telangiectasia is very common finding in our patients precisely in males.