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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20164071
Original Research Article
Department of Dermatology, Vydehi institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
*Correspondence:
Dr. Sonakshi S.,
E-mail: sonakshi18@yahoo.co.in
Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ABSTRACT
Background: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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 =<0.001).
Conclusions: Dermoscopy is better tool in determining the depth of pigmentation. It gives an additional advantage to
visualize the vasculature.
International Journal of Research in Dermatology | October-December 2016 | Vol 2 | Issue 4 Page 113
Manjunath KG et al. Int J Res Dermatol. 2016 Dec;2(4):113-117
Dermoscopy
Total
1.00 2.00 3.00
1.00 18 0 0 18
Wood’s
2.00 1 23 5 28
lamp
3.00 0 0 4 4
Total 19 23 9 50
1.00: Epidermal, 2.00: Dermal, 3.00: Mixed; K= 0.833, P value
=<0.001
Frequency Total
Malar 28 56
Centrofacial 22 44
total 50 100
Figure 4: Clinical-dermal melasma.
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Manjunath KG et al. Int J Res Dermatol. 2016 Dec;2(4):113-117
DISCUSSION
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Manjunath KG et al. Int J Res Dermatol. 2016 Dec;2(4):113-117
epiluminescence microscope and episcope. It magnifies unveils some subsurface skin structures not normally
subtle clinical surface features of skin lesions and also visible even with a magnifying lens.12
Table 5: Classification of melasma based on the depth of melanin pigment.9
Dermoscopy of melasma shows very characteristic Therefore it helps in classifying melasma objectively. It
changes. The colour intensity of melanin and the is less affected by such factors as the patient’s skin type,
regularity of the pigment network reveal the density and vascular and collagen changes, or the use of topical
location of melanin. It presents dark brown colour and products. The degree of agreement in between Wood’s
well defined network when located in the stratum lamp and dermoscopy is substantial by statistical
corneum; shades of light brown and irregularity of the analysis. Therefore dermoscopy is a more applicable,
network when located in the lower layers of the more appropriate method for routine diagnosis,
epidermis sparing the follicles and sweat gland openings assessment and monitoring of patients on treatment.
producing exaggerated pseudonetwork pattern with Dermoscopy also allows the observation of significant
concave borders called the ‘jelly sign’ and blue or bluish- vascular component in many patients, which may be
gray colour when located in the dermis. It is possible to relevant in terms of future prospects for pathogenesis and
see the vascular component, which is present in a large therapeutic considerations.
number of patients.12
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are few reports which suggest a sudden increase in
the number of cases of exogenous ochronosis (EO). We are thankful to our patients, Vydehi institute of
Dermoscopy may be an important tool to differentiate EO medical sciences and research centre and the department
from melasma. Greyish brown black amorphous of dermatology.
structures in the perifollicular region are suggestive of
EO. These are seen obliterating the follicular openings.13 Funding: No funding sources
Conflict of interest: None declared
Dermoscopy also allows the observation of significant Ethical approval: The study was approved by the
vascular component in melasma which constitutes a new institutional ethics committee
syndrome called telangiectatic melasma as shown in
Figure 8.14 REFERENCES
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