The correlation between dermoscopic patterns and histopathological features in idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis at a tertiary care center.

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common leukodermic dermatosis that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly adults. This study evaluates the dermoscopic features of IGH and their correlation with histopathological findings.

Methods: In the present study, 100 patients with IGH were evaluated. Each patient underwent a comprehensive clinical history assessment along with a dermatological and physical examination. Dermoscopic examination was performed, followed by a histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 64.67 ± 9.59 years, with 53% being male. The most prevalent dermoscopic pattern observed was nebuloid (33.3%), followed by petaloid (26.7%), and both amoeboid and feathery patterns were seen in equal proportions (20% each). The abdomen (33%) and legs (27%) were the most common sites for IGH lesions. Histopathological examination revealed features such as basket weave hyperkeratosis, atrophic epidermis in some lesions, reduced melanin globules or melanocytes, skip lesions, and flattening of rete ridges across all dermoscopic patterns.

Conclusion: IGH is characterized by distinct dermoscopic patterns, including amoeboid, feathery, nebuloid, and petaloid types. When these patterns are interpreted within the clinical context and corroborated with histopathological findings, they aid in the accurate diagnosis of IGH and its differentiation from other hypopigmented and depigmented dermatoses. Dermoscopy can be considered an adjunctive tool to confirm the diagnosis of IGH.