Distinct dermoscopic patterns in black skin

May 16, 2015

Abstract

Background
The identification of “normal” dermoscopic patterns of acquired melanocytic nevi provides better diagnostic accuracy for melanoma in people with black skin.

Objective
We sought to describe melanocytic lesions (numbers and anatomic distributions) in skin types V and VI compared with skin types I and II, according to the Fitzpatrick classification. We sought to identify differences in dermoscopic findings in acquired melanocytic nevi (global pattern, pigment and color distribution) between the groups.

Methods
We conducted cross-sectional, prospective, and consecutive data collection in 2 dermatologic outpatient clinics, between October 8, 2010, and March 20, 2013. From the 501 volunteers, 480 participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 460 acquired melanocytic nevi were selected for dermoscopic analysis.

Results
Individuals with skin type V/VI had fewer melanocytic lesions than those with skin type I/II (15.08 vs 7.90; P = .032), and the anatomic distribution in the first group was predominantly on the face and acral sites (P < .001). The acquired melanocytic nevi in the skin type V/VI group were associated with the reticular pattern (P < .0001), with a tendency toward central hyperpigmentation (P = .0025).

Limitations
The choice of a single representative nevus per patient is a limitation.

Conclusions
Acquired melanocytic nevi in individuals with skin type V/VI have a distinct dermoscopic pattern from those with skin type I/II.

Source:
Tuma, T, et al. Dermoscopy of black skin: A cross-sectional study of clinical and dermoscopic features of melanocytic lesions in individuals with type V/VI skin compared to those with type I/II skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In press.
http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)01488-7/abstract