Dermoscopic nevus patterns in skin of colour: a prospective, cross-sectional, morphological study in individuals with skin type V and VI

Background Most of the knowledge on the prevailing dermoscopic patterns of acquired melanocytic nevi (AMV) is based on studies in Caucasians, while little research focuses on the dermoscopic variability in nevi in skin of colour. Objective To analyse the prevalent dermoscopic nevus patterns in subjects with a skin type (ST) V and VI. Methods Prospective, cross-sectional, morphological study was conducted in six clinics with enrolment of consecutive individuals with a ST V or VI. Digital dermoscopic images of selected representative AMN were assessed for dermoscopic colours, morphological patterns and pigment distribution. Results Analysis of 300 nevi from subjects with ST V and VI revealed significant differences in the nevus pattern between these two groups. The majority of nevi in ST V revealed a reticular pattern, whereas persons with ST VI more frequently exhibited a structureless pattern. Black, blue and grey were more frequent in ST VI, whereas the vast majority of nevi in ST V individuals showed dark brown colour. Conclusions Our study provides new insights into the nevus pattern in individuals with a dark pigmentary trait, which may aid the diagnosis and management of nevi in this patients group.