INVESTIGATION OF DERMOSCOPIC PATTERNS IN PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR LESIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is essentially a clinical diagnosis characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches on the skin. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and Wood's lamp examination are traditional diagnostic tools used to confirm PV. Dermoscopy is gaining popularity as a noninvasive procedure for diagnosing different pigmentary and inflammatory disorders. However, scarce evidence exists on the dermoscopic patterns of PV. This study aims to evaluate the role of dermoscopy in improving the clin Objective: ical diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, analyze the demographic and clinical profiles of affected patients, include KOH and Wood's lamp findings with percentages for confirmation of PV, identify any new dermoscopic findings, and assess how dermoscopy can differentiate PV from other hypopigmented lesions. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months from January 2022 to June 2023 at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Forty-four patients clinically diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor were included. Detailed history, clinical examination, KOH preparation, Wood's lamp examination, and dermoscopic evaluation using a DermLite DL3N dermatoscope were performed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The study included 44 patients, predominantly young males aged 15 to 25 years (64%). Urban residents constituted 77% of cases. Most lesions were hypopigmented (77%). KOH examination was positive in 91% of cases, and Wood's lamp examination showed fluorescence in 84% of patients, confirming the diagnosis of PV before dermoscopic evaluation. Under dermoscopy, follicular scaling was observed in 90% of cases. New dermoscopic findings such as perifollicular hypopigmentation and "moth-eaten" borders were identified. Dermoscopic patterns such as follicular scaling, peripheral scaling, and perilesional hyperpigmentation were significantly associated with pityriasis versicolor (p  <  0.01). Incorporation of dermoscopy improved diagnostic accuracy compared to clinical examination alone. Dermoscopy also aided in differentiating PV from other hypopigmented lesions by highlighting specific dermoscopic criteria. Dermoscopy enhances t Conclusion: he diagnostic accuracy of pityriasis versicolor by revealing characteristic patterns not easily visible to the naked eye. The identification of new dermoscopic features adds valuable information and may help establish dermoscopy as an important auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of PV. Integrating dermoscopic evaluation into routine practice is recommended for easy and accurate diagnosis.