Dermoscopic diagnosis of ashy dermatosis: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aim:Ashy dermatosis (AD) is a cutaneous pigmentation disorder with unknown etiology characterized by ash-colored hyperpigmented macules. The diagnosis of Ashy dermatosis is primarily based on the clinical and histopathological findings. In this study, we aimed to identify the dermoscopic features of AD, which may facilitate the diagnosis by reducing the need for invasive procedures.Material and Methods:The study included the patients diagnosed with Ashy dermatosis. Demographic, clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of the lesions were reviewed and the findings observed were recorded.Results:A total of 60 lesions from 15 patients were included. The most common dermoscopic finding were irregular linear dots and globules, pinkish brown color was the predominant color of the background, and found to be associated with early lesions. Among the vascular structures observed, irregular linear vessels were the most prevalent. There were no significant differences in terms of dermoscopic structures according to age and localization of the lesions.Conclusion:Dermoscopy can serve as a noninvasive helpful tool for the diagnosis of Ashy dermatosis.

Dermoscopic patterns of terra firma-forme dermatosis

“…Ridges, fissures, whitish structures, greyish globules with brown lines, and V-hairs are the reported features of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis [8]. Dermoscopy of ashy dermatosis is usually characterized by irregular linear dots and globules [9]. Friction melanosis is characterized by brown structureless areas arranged in a reticular fashion.…”

Dermoscopy of acquired pigmentary disorders: a comprehensive review

“…31 A retrospective study conducted by Elmas et al assessed EDP under three different categories: dots/globules, background color, and vascular features. 32 Elmas et al noted brown to grey dots and globules in patients with favored EDP. The most common arrangement was an irregular linear configuration of dots and globules.…”

“…The most common arrangement was an irregular linear configuration of dots and globules. 32 Other arrangements of dots in order of decreasing prevalence included circular arrangement, random distribution, patchy clustered arrangement, arrangement in angulated lines, and widespread distribution. 32 Background color was typically a pinkish-brown followed by more a flesh-colored background.…”

“…32 Other arrangements of dots in order of decreasing prevalence included circular arrangement, random distribution, patchy clustered arrangement, arrangement in angulated lines, and widespread distribution. 32 Background color was typically a pinkish-brown followed by more a flesh-colored background. Pinkish background was more commonly identified in earlier lesions (0-1 month).…”

“…Vascular features were also noted on dermoscopy, and the most common vessel pattern was irregular linear and coiled vessels. 32 EDP can be differentiated from LPP on dermoscopy by its predominant blue/grey color and more homogeneous dot size and arrangement. 30 The dots in LPP are often brownish and larger, compared with the smaller, grey-blue dots, and bluish background of EDP.…”