Periorbital melanosis (POM) has a severe emotional impact on patients. 

 

A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology aimed to determine the clinical and dermoscopic patterns of periorbital melanosis, to aid in the classification and strategize therapy.

 

This was a cross-sectional, observational study, conducted on one hundred patients with POM in a tertiary care center in India between January and March 2020. Dermoscopic assessment of POM was done using video dermatoscope, among participants of mean age 32.8 ± 9 years.

 

The results revealed a higher prevalence among females (78%). The constitutional type (43%) of POM was the most common, followed by shadow-effect type (32%). The various dermoscopic pigmentary patterns observed were scattered pigmented dots (56%), exaggerated pigment network (31%), globules (30%) and blotches (27%). Meanwhile, dilated veins and telangiectasia were observed in 50% and 32% of subjects, respectively. In addition, exaggerated skin markings were noted in 43% of participants. Scattered pigmented dots were most commonly seen in constitutional, vascular and shadow types but were 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. 

 

In inference, it was stated that 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 etiology, thereby helping to plan appropriate treatment.

 

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Feb 5. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13979