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Dermoscopy shows different melanocytic lesion patterns in dark vs. light skin

Distinct differences in dermoscopic patterns of acquired melanocytic lesions were observed in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI compared with skin types I and II, according to recently published study results.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of prospective and consecutive data collected at two dermatologic outpatient clinics in Brazil between October 2010 and March 2013. Four hundred eighty volunteers met study criteria, with dermoscopic analysis, including global pattern, pigment distribution and color assessment conducted on 460 melanocytic nevi.

Eighty-two percent of participants had dark skin (Fitzpatrick skin type V/VI) and 18% had light skin (skin type I/II). Fewer melanocytic lesions were reported on individuals with skin type V/IV (7.90) compared with skin type I/II (15.08). In the darker-skinned cohort, the anatomic distribution was predominantly on the face and acral sites. There was an association with the reticular pattern in the acquired melanocytic lesions in skin type V/VI; the darker skin type participants also tended toward central hyperpigmentation, according to the researchers.

Reticular pattern, brown color and tendency toward hyperpigmentation were shown in dermoscopy of the acquired melanocytic nevi in skin type V/VI cohort, whereas participants with skin type I/II had acquired melanocytic nevi that displayed a light-brown color and a tendency toward structureless pattern and multiple hypopigmentation.

“The data concerning the normal pattern for acquired melanocytic nevi in skin types V and VI presented in this study enable us to identify suspicious pigmented lesions and will, therefore, improve diagnostic accuracy for melanoma in this population.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.