A clinico-dermoscopic study of melasma in men in a tertiary care center in North India

Abstract

Background: Melasma comprises a major group in all dermatology clinics causing cosmetic disfigurement. Usually, it has a predilection for females but can affect both sexes. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive imaging modality that can help to visualize skin structures not visible to unaided eye. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine clinical as well as dermoscopic findings of melasma after evaluating them based on clinical examination and to correlate each clinical picture with dermoscopic findings. Materials and Methods: Various male patients of melasma from January 2020 to June 2021 are enrolled from outpatient department. Detailed history is taken. Dermoscopic examination and photographic documentation of clinical as well as dermoscopic picture are done and findings are noted. Results: We enrolled 50 patients in the study. Mean age of melasma in men in our study was 29.28 years. The most common precipitating factor was sun exposure (52%) followed by the use of mustard oil (34%) and over the counter creams 18%. Positive family history was reported in 25% of patients. 29 patients on clinical examination along with wood’s lamp showed epidermal pattern, 13 patients showed mixed pattern, and 8 patients had dermal pattern. On dermoscopy, melasma showed almost similar findings in epidermal, dermal, as well as mixed melasma-perifollicular sparing was seen in all patients, granular pattern in 42 patients, globular pattern in 48 patients, Blotches in 47 patients, telangiectasias in 30 patients, arcuate pattern in 32 patients, and annular in 12 patients. Conclusion: The frequency of findings was similar in all three types except for arcuate and annular pattern which were more in dermal type of melasma.