Dermoscopic imaging of melasma on various skin colors

Background: Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder characterized by pigmented macules and patches scattered on the forehead, cheeks, and chin area exposed to sunlight. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows fast and clear observation of melasma in vivo with morphological visualization that is not visible to the naked eye. The color bar tool is an economical and simple tool that can be used to determine skin color. This study aims to determine the dermoscopic appearance of melasma on various skin colors. Methods: This study is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional method of all patients with melasma who came to the outpatient department of the cosmetic dermatology division, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from September 2020-October 2021. The assessment was carried out by dermoscopy and color bar tools. Results: This study included 50 melasma patients in total. Most participants (n=23, or 46 %) were between the ages of 36 and 45. Based on clinical features, 42 subjects (84%) presented with centrofacial pattern. In epidermal type melasma, 21 subjects (42%) were associated with color bar 3. In dermal type melasma, color bar 3 is found in 2 subjects (4%); in mixed type melasma, three subjects (6%) were found in color bar 3. Conclusion: The dermoscopy of melasma in various skin colors has a similar distribution of skin color. Color bar 3 is the most dominant skin color. There were no color bars 5 and color bars 6 in this study.