Hypopigmented skin lesions in children: dermoscopic evaluation

Context Normal skin color is associated with good physical and mental health especially in children as it is considered a mirror for natural beauty. Hypopigmented skin lesions are commonly seen in children with severe impact on the patient’s health and social life. A dermoscopy is a new noninvasive tool which aids in the diagnosis of hypopigmented skin lesions. Aims We aimed to identify the dermoscopic signs of diagnostic value in some common hypopigmented skin lesions in children. Settings and design This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study that included 150 patients with hypopigmented skin lesions who were classified clinically into four groups: group 1 (pityriasis alba), group 2 (vitiligo), group 3 (hypopigmented nevus), and group 4 (tinea versicolor). Methods and patient All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and dermoscopic examination. Statistical analysis used Data was collected and analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science, version 20, IBM, and Armonk, New York). Quantitative data were expressed as mean±and standard deviation (SD) and compared with Student t -test. χ 2 test was implemented on such data. Results White focal scales, light brown pigment network, and ill-defined border are the characteristic dermoscopic patterns of pityriasis alba. The glowing white color, milky white background, absent scales, different shades of pigmentation, and leukotrichia are the characteristic finding in vitiligo. Pseudopods, white-brown background, reticular pigment network, and perifollicular pigment without scales are the characteristic findings in hypopigmented nevus. Fine and white scales in different patterns, brownish-white background, faint brownish pigment network, and satellite lesions are the characteristic finding in tinea versicolor. Conclusions Dermoscopy has proven efficacy in confirming the diagnosis of common hypopigmented skin lesions in children.