Dermatoscopic features of pigmentary diseases in ethnic skin

Abstract

Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive, handy tool, which is increasingly being used in diagnosis and prognostication of pigmentary dermatoses. Dermatoscopic changes in pigmentary pattern, scaling, and vasculature help us to differentiate among the myriad of hypo and hyper pigmentary diseases. This review gives a brief overview of the dermatoscopic features of pigmentary diseases, which are commonly encountered in clinical practice. We also provide a diagnostic approach based on salient dermatoscopic features.

Keywords

• dermatoscopy
• dermoscopy
• exogenous ochronosis
• lichen planus pigmentosus
• lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
• melasma
• pigmentary diseases
• vitiligo