Publication:

A clinico-dermatoscopic study of 100 cases of melasma in a tertiary care hospital

Background Melasma is one of the most common hyperpigmentary disorders seen among Indian patients. Dermatoscope is a non-invasive tool that helps in visualization of surface and sub-surface changes. Recognition of characteristic dermatoscopic patterns of melasma helps in differentiating it from other hyperpigmentary disorders. The present study was carried out to study clinical and dermatoscopic patterns of melasma.

Methods A total of 100 patients with clinical diagnosis of melasma were enrolled in this study. These patients were first examined clinically and then under dermatoscope. All the findings were recorded.

Results Out of total 100 patients, 91 were females and 9 were males. Mean age of presentation was 34.86 years. Malar distribution pattern was the most common pattern observed in 54% patients. On dermatoscopic examination, 58% cases had epidermal melasma, 23% had dermal melasma and 19% had mixed melasma. Accentuated pseudoreticular network was the most common pattern seen in 88% cases.

Conclusions Melasma is a distressing hyperpigmentary disorder. Dermatoscope helps in diagnosis and prognosis of melasma. Therapeutic efficacy of various modalities can be monitored using dermatoscope. It has reduced the need of invasive interventions like biopsy from face for histopathology.