DERMOSCOPY OF DISORDERS OF HYPOPIGMENTATION

Background:-Hypopigmentary disorders constitute a large and heterogenous group of diseases that are clinically characterised by hypopigmented macules .Dermoscopy is a non invasive imaging technique that allows for appreciation of subtle, distinctive features visible to the naked eye aid in differential diagnosis of hypopigmentary disorders. Aims &Objective:- To investigate the utility of dermoscopy In common hypopigmentary diseases. Materials &Method:- A series of 50 cases of hypopigmentary disorders was included in this case series. Detailed and informed consent was taken from the patients. The following skin diseases were included in the research : vitiligo, Pityriasis versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, nevus depigmentosus, pityriasis alba.All of the cases which were on treatment were excluded from study. A detailed history and dermatological examination was done along with Woods light examination and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The following parameters were taken into consideration while doing dermoscopy in these diseases i)Presence of altered pigmentation , ii) edge of macule , iii) presence of scales , iv) Presence of perifollicular pigmentation, reticulation or telangiectasia. Results:- In this study , 50 patients with following diseases were enrolled in the study : vitiligo (15 cases), pityriasis versicolor (12cases ) , idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (10 cases ), nevus depigmentosus ( 6 cases ), pityriasis alba (6 cases ). On dermoscopy , vitiligo lesions showed white glow . Pityriasis versicolor was whitish brown with double edged scales. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis was white with well defined and angulated margins. Nevus depigmentosus showed Pseudopods. Different patterns like trichrome pattern, Polka dot pattern, petaloid patterns were seen. Conclusion:- This study showed that these hypopigmented diseases might display specific and characteristic dermoscopic features. Dermoscopic findings should always be interpreted with the overall clinical context of the patient history and macroscopic examination.