Publication:

Melasma: Through the eye of a dermoscope

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.