Dermoscopy of black skin: A cross-sectional study of clinical and dermoscopic features of melanocytic lesions in individuals with type V/VI skin compared to those with type I/II skin

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 73; no. 1; pp. 114 - 119
• Main Authors: Tuma, Bruna, MD, Yamada, Sergio, MD, Atallah, Álvaro Nagib, PhD, Araujo, Fernanda Mendes, EDS, Hirata, Sergio Henrique, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-07-2015
• Subjects: acquired melanocytic nevi; Adult; African Americans; African descent; black people; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatology; Dermoscopy; ethnic group; Female; Humans; Male; melanoma; Melanoma - classification; Melanoma - pathology; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Skin; Skin Neoplasms - classification; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; skin surface microscopy; acquired melanocytic nevi; African descent; skin surface microscopy; melanoma; ethnic group; black people; dermoscopy
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.03.043

Background The identification of “normal” dermoscopic patterns of acquired melanocytic nevi provides better diagnostic accuracy for melanoma in people with black skin. Objective We sought to describe melanocytic lesions (numbers and anatomic distributions) in skin types V and VI compared with skin types I and II, according to the Fitzpatrick classification. We sought to identify differences in dermoscopic findings in acquired melanocytic nevi (global pattern, pigment and color distribution) between the groups. Methods We conducted cross-sectional, prospective, and consecutive data collection in 2 dermatologic outpatient clinics, between October 8, 2010, and March 20, 2013. From the 501 volunteers, 480 participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 460 acquired melanocytic nevi were selected for dermoscopic analysis. Results Individuals with skin type V/VI had fewer melanocytic lesions than those with skin type I/II (15.08 vs 7.90; P  = .032), and the anatomic distribution in the first group was predominantly on the face and acral sites ( P  < .001). The acquired melanocytic nevi in the skin type V/VI group were associated with the reticular pattern ( P  < .0001), with a tendency toward central hyperpigmentation ( P  = .0025). Limitations The choice of a single representative nevus per patient is a limitation. Conclusions Acquired melanocytic nevi in individuals with skin type V/VI have a distinct dermoscopic pattern from those with skin type I/II.