Frequency Of Various Dermoscopic Patterns of Pityriasis Versicolor; A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Superficial fungal infections like Pityriasis versicolor (PV) are among the most prevalent dermatological conditions worldwide. Clinical diagnosis is usually straightforward, although certain cases can be confounding, particularly if the presentation is similar to that of other skin disorders. Fungal cultures and potassium hydroxide mounts are traditional confirmatory tools, though each has limitations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of various dermoscopic patterns in PV lesions, especially those that are hypopigmented, hyperpigmented or mixed plaques presenting to a tertiary care setting in our population.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a non-probability consecutive sampling strategy was used to analyze dermoscopic patterns of PV lesions with positive KOH mounts from different body regions.

Results: The study comprised a total of 75 lesions from 75 patients. The most common dermoscopic patterns in hyperpigmented lesions (n=46) were scaling (39%), perilesional hyperpigmentation (34%), non-uniform pigmentation (29%), subtle ridges and furrows (26%), and hair follicular invasion (24%). Conversely, the majority of hypo pigmented lesions (n=27) had clearly demarcated borders (29%) and vascular patterns (18%). The dermoscopic patterns found in mixed lesions (n=2) were scaling, perilesional hyperpigmentation, clearly demarcated borders, and non-uniform pigmentation (2%).

Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a cost-effective tool for the diagnosis of lesions of PV that are difficult to diagnose.

Keywords: Pityriasis versicolor, cross-sectional studies, dermoscopy, diagnostic techniques and procedures