A cross-sectional study on clinico-dermoscopic features of periorbital melanosis in a tertiary care hospital.

Introduction Periorbital melanosis (POM) is an aesthetic facial concern on increasing trend and has a severe emotional impact on patients. We aimed to study the clinical and dermoscopic patterns of periorbital melanosis to aid in the classification and strategize therapy. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on one hundred patients with POM in a tertiary care centre in India from January 2020 - March 2020. Dermoscopic assessment of POM was done using video dermatoscope- FotoFinder Medicam 1000s (magnification upto 140x). Results The mean age of participants was 32.8±9 years. It was more prevalent among females (78%). The constitutional type (43%) of POM was the most common followed by shadow effect type (32%). The various dermoscopic pigmentary patterns seen were scattered pigmented dots (56%), exaggerated pigment network (31%), globules (30%) and blotches (27%). Dilated veins and telangiectasia were seen in 50% and 32% of subjects respectively. Exaggerated skin markings were seen in 43% of participants. Scattered pigmented dots was most commonly seen in constitutional, vascular and shadow types but was significantly associated with vascular type. Exaggerated pigment network was the most frequent pigmentary pattern in post inflammatory type of POM. Globules were significantly associated with constitutional as well as shadow type of POM and blotches with shadow type of POM. Conclusions Periorbital melanosis presents as multifactorial entity with constitutional type being the most common. The dermoscopic patterns of POM may provide a clue to the underlying aetiology, thereby helping to plan appropriate treatment.