Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of patients with periorbital darkening

Background Many factors contribute to periorbital darkening, including melanin deposition and skin redundancy. Therapeutic options are still limited and usually unsatisfactory. Dermoscopy allows the identification of different colors and structures not seen by naked-eye examination. Objective To assess patients with periorbital darkening by dermoscopy. Patients and methods In this descriptive study, 35 patients complaining of periorbital darkening were included. Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation was performed. Both pigmentary and vascular components were assessed. Clinical and dermoscopic photographs were evaluated, graded, and results were statistically analyzed. Results Clinically, pigmentation was mild, moderate, and marked. Textural changes and periorbital edema were observed. Dermoscopically, three patterns were described: pseudonetwork, blotchy, and multicomponent. Erythema and telangiectasia were documented. The degree of pigmentation correlated positively with patient age, skin type, and presence of anemia. Limitations Small number of patients and no controls were the limitations. Conclusion Dermoscopic evaluation of periorbital darkening/melanosis appears valuable, particularly in the determination of the degree and pattern of pigmentation as well as the extent of vascular involvement, which in turn would reflect on the choice of therapy.